Access & Equity
Access & Equity are broad areas for libraries and they encompass many issues. This includes, among so much more, making sure your facility is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, serving patrons on the autism spectrum, building a diverse collection, and creating a welcoming environment that represents your entire community no matter ethnicity, heritage, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Self-paced courses and webinar recordings on this topic are freely available in the WebJunction Course Catalog.
Most Recently Added
Civil Legal Justice: The Crucial Role of Libraries
Publish Date: Webinar / 11 February 2020
In this webinar, learn about the ways public libraries can address the justice gap, connecting people with information as they navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Hooray for Dissent! Moving Beyond a Culture of Conformity
Publish Date: Webinar / 22 January 2020
In this webinar, explore the potential value of dissent to facilitate positive change against systemic oppression in libraries, and in society at large.
Public Libraries and the 2020 Census
Publish Date: News / 2 January 2020
Federal funding for public libraries will be determined by the 2020 U.S. Census results, with ALA reporting that "more than $1 billion in federal funding for libraries will be allocated to states based on the 2020 Census." In addition to fe...
Multicultural Picture Books: A Deeper Look at Your Collection
Publish Date: News / 5 December 2019
Do you feel it is important to have a diverse children’s collection, but don’t always know where to start? The Diverse BookFinder Collection Analysis Tool (CAT), funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is specifically des...
Doing the Work Externally and Internally: Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Publish Date: Webinar / 5 December 2019
This webinar highlights the work of Richland Library staff as they work, both externally and internally, to improve dialogue and understanding on topics of race, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Tackling the Racism in Children's Classics
Publish Date: News / 16 October 2019
In Was the Cat in the Hat Black?, author Philip Nel examines the racist illustrations present in a number of Dr. Seuss’s works, and points out racism present in other children’s classics. Many of these books are on our shelves.
Nashvi...
Strategic Partnership to Improve Access to Civil Legal Justice through Public Libraries
Publish Date: News / 13 August 2019
In consultation with Legal Services Corporation (LSC), WebJunction is developing a new course for US public library staff who work in reference, adult services, or outreach positions on how to improve community members' access to civil legal informat...
Project READY: New Online Racial Equity Curriculum Fills Gap for Library Staff
Publish Date: News / 30 July 2019
Creating inclusive and equitable school and public library programs for Black youth, Indigenous youth, and Youth of Color (BIYOC) requires knowledge about topics such as race and racism, implicit bias and microaggressions, cultural competence and cul...
Prioritizing Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Your Library
Publish Date: News / 18 July 2019
Putting a focus on accessibility helps create a library that can be enjoyed by more people and can connect more people to the information and resources they need. Opportunities to make libraries more accessible can include decisions about your collec...
Blessing Box: Take What You Need, Leave What You Can
Publish Date: News / 28 March 2019
This is the second article in a series published in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL), highlighting innovation shared on ARSL's amazing and active Listserv.
ARSL member Jennifer Johnson-Spence, serves as...
