IDEA Council

The University Libraries Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Council recognizes that inclusion is at the center of a thriving and innovative workforce. The IDEA Council is invested in building a welcoming and equitable environment for all library employees and library users. In support of this goal, the Council rejects the concept of library neutrality and embraces the values of social justice and anti-oppression as a framework for affecting constructive change. The Council acknowledges that this work is challenging and at times uncomfortable but encourages all library employees to lean into this discomfort and approach difficult conversations with honesty, respect, empathy, and an openness to other perspectives. Everyone in the University Libraries has a part to play in building and maintaining a culture of inclusivity.

Charge

Advancing inclusion and equity takes action. Therefore, in collaboration with the Library Leadership Team and other library departments and committees, the Council will:

Propose library-wide goals and recommendations that address inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, such as gender nonspecific restrooms, accessible workspaces for all library workers, and the incorporation of IDEA-specific goals in SHRA/EHRA performance plans
Promote and/or develop inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility related trainings and programs provided by the University Libraries, UNC-Chapel Hill campus, and beyond, such as the Racial Equity Institute (REI) and implicit bias and cultural humility training
Collaborate with other inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility related organizations on campus, including the School of Information and Library Science (SILS) and the University Office for Diversity and Inclusion
Serve as a resource for University Libraries staff on inclusion and equity concerns