This Diversity & Inclusion ePortfolio (D&I-eP) was developed as part of my work in CIS 650: Applying Diversity Leadership Theories & Praxis during the Spring 2025 semester. Within this D&I-eP, I examine the current communication practices and information service responses of the User Services Division at Emory Libraries and Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. This section presents key resources and literature that inform both the context of the organization and the development of my course project, offering insights applicable to similar information environments.
Promising Practices
Readings
Johnson, Margeaux; Clapp, Melissa J.; Ewing, Stacey R.; and Buhler, Amy G. (2011) "Building a Participatory Culture: Collaborating with Student Organizations for Twenty-first Century Library Instruction," Collaborative Librarianship: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, Article 2.
The article "Building a Participatory Culture: Collaborating with Student Organizations for Twenty-first Century Library Instruction" explores how academic librarians can enhance library instruction by partnering with student-led organizations. The authors argue that students thrive in active, participatory learning environments and that collaboration with student groups can increase engagement and attendance at library events. The article reviews existing literature on library partnerships, identifies "Librarian–Student Organization Collaboration" as an underutilized approach, and presents case studies of successful collaborations. These include student-led workshops, an alternate reality game, and a team-based library challenge, all designed to develop 21st-century skills.
Henderson, M. (2016). Successful partnerships for academic libraries. J. New Librarianship, 1, 28.
The article "Successful Partnerships for Academic Libraries" by Meg Henderson explores how academic libraries can collaborate with external organizations to enhance their services, especially amid budget constraints and evolving roles in higher education. The study defines partnerships, outlines key success factors, and provides examples of collaborations with academic departments, businesses, and nonprofits. It highlights best practices for forming and evaluating partnerships, emphasizing clear goals, mutual benefits, and ongoing assessment. The article also discusses challenges such as library visibility and funding, proposing strategies to demonstrate the library’s value and strengthen partnerships for long-term sustainability.
Hagman, J., & Carleton, J. (2014). Better Together: Collaborating with Students on Library Social Media. Public Services Quarterly, 10(3), 238–244. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228959.2014.931207
The article Better Together: Collaborating with Students on Library Social Media by Jessica Hagman and Janet Carleton explores how Ohio University Libraries leverage student collaboration to enhance their social media presence. By employing student workers through the Program to Aid Career Exploration (PACE), the library benefits from fresh perspectives, increased engagement, and relevant content creation. Students help manage platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, contributing to major projects such as the Margaret Boyd diary tweets. While students gain valuable career skills, challenges like maintaining a consistent voice and communication barriers require structured training and oversight to ensure success.
Resources
The Period Pantry Project. https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/cYNJb2zH5gTBG?.
The Period Pantry Project exists to ensure that anyone in the Columbus area who needs menstrual products is able to access them, regardless of income, lack of transportation, or any other barrier. We work with individuals and organizations, because we know that ending period poverty is a collaborative effort. Please join us in our work to end period poverty, decrease period stigma, and improve menstrual health knowledge in our community.
Beyond Books: How College Libraries Can Support Students' Basic Needs
https://naehcy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Beyond-Books-How-College-Libraries-Can-Support-Students-Basic-Needs.pdf
This resource presents findings from a survey of eight colleges and universities, examining their approaches to supporting students experiencing homelessness and other basic needs insecurities. The survey revealed that library support services were often initiated in response to campus events, student surveys, or librarians' personal advocacy. Additionally, recommendations included integrating social workers and childcare services to better support students. Single-stop partnerships and LibGuides also emerged as effective tools for addressing basic needs. The resource prompts reflection on how library staff, facilities, and services can be engaged in institutional efforts to support students' basic needs.
Beautiful Trouble: Pedagogy of the Oppressed Toolbox
https://beautifultrouble.org/toolbox/tool/pedagogy-of-the-oppressed
The Beautiful Trouble toolbox illustrates the key tactics, principles, methodologies, theories and stories that have inspired centuries of people-powered victories. Written by over 175 frontline activists from Harare to Amman, New York to Oaxaca, the toolbox is one part prankster manifesto, one part direct action manual, and one part training guide for mass organizing and collective liberation.