The Reckoning Initiative at the University Libraries

The University Libraries’ Reckoning Initiative represents a commitment to go beyond a mere focus on diversity and instead to use equity, inclusion and social justice as a lens for all our work. This page points to a selection of current and recent Reckoning projects at the University Libraries, as well as news and updates related to the initiative. Learn more by reading the Library’s full Reckoning Initiative Framework.

Projects

A guide compiling the practices library staff have refined as they update, edit and create new archival finding aids.

Racial equity syllabus focused on libraries and archives. Developed for our staff’s internal 21-day racial equity challenge, but with broad relevance for library and archival work.

Resources, research guides, and exhibits related to the history and controversy of Carolina’s built environment, including the 1913 Confederate monument.

Mellon-grant-funded project to support historically underrepresented history keepers in telling, sharing, and preserving their stories.

Library-wide effort to correct injustices in the way language is used in archives and special collections. Includes link to conscious editing guide.

Internally-funded program to support inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility work by University Libraries staff.

Council leading library efforts in inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Text-mining project to discover Jim Crow laws in NC between Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement (1865-1968).

Call to action challenging library staff to engage, act, and reflect on race and racial equity in our lives and in our work.