This is a sweeping collection of essays of a multifaceted consideration of diversity in the library setting and the profession. The editor of this timely and thoughtful book seeks to further discussion of diversity by employing various contexts (societal, political, educational, professional, international, interpersonal) to lay out the climates and issues that influence the realization of multiculturalism in libraries. The contributors are experienced professional librarians, library administrators, and library and information science educators. The primary audience is people associated with the library profession, particularly those in academic settings. However, those wishing to increase their understanding of workplace diversity will find aspects of the content instructive. The editor is a faculty member of the Rutgers University School of Communication, Information, and Library Studies and has been a diversity consultant with the Association of Research Libraries. The essay contributors define diversity and present background on affirmative action policies, initiatives started by professional organizations and libraries, and international perspectives. There is also analysis of multicultural curricula, the gender and racial composition of top management within academic libraries, and the issue of equal access to information technologies. This is rounded out with practical approaches, such as starting diversity dialogue groups and undertaking systematic change efforts to create multicultural organizations. There is some repetition of the political and professional contexts among the essays. The notes and references for each chapter are a useful mix of print and web-basedresources. This is unlike other books on diversity in the library profession, in which the focus is restricted to collection development, provision of services, or recruitment. While these essays may seem disparate, a broader understanding of diversity in our society emerges. With this book the editor moves workplace diversity discussions to a deeper level.
Winston (library management and reference services, Rutgers U.) presents 12 papers which address such diversity issues as affirmative action, career development of minorities in library science profession, and scholarship solutions to increase diversity in libraries. While focusing on the United States, diversification efforts in Australia, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom are examined. Included are discussions of the role of training seminars, linking programs to college and university institutions, and the efforts of the American Library Association towards diversity. Also published as the , vol. 27, nos. 1/2. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Reviewer: Diane L. Sotak, BS, MLS (University of Oregon)
Description: This is a sweeping collection of essays of a multifaceted consideration of diversity in the library setting and the profession.
Purpose: The editor of this timely and thoughtful book seeks to further discussion of diversity by employing various contexts (societal, political, educational, professional, international, interpersonal) to lay out the climates and issues that influence the realization of multiculturalism in libraries. The contributors are experienced professional librarians, library administrators, and library and information science educators.
Audience: The primary audience is people associated with the library profession, particularly those in academic settings. However, those wishing to increase their understanding of workplace diversity will find aspects of the content instructive. The editor is a faculty member of the Rutgers University School of Communication, Information, and Library Studies and has been a diversity consultant with the Association of Research Libraries.
Features: The essay contributors define diversity and present background on affirmative action policies, initiatives started by professional organizations and libraries, and international perspectives. There is also analysis of multicultural curricula, the gender and racial composition of top management within academic libraries, and the issue of equal access to information technologies. This is rounded out with practical approaches, such as starting diversity dialogue groups and undertaking systematic change efforts to create multicultural organizations. There is some repetition of the political and professional contexts among the essays. The notes and references for each chapter are a useful mix of print and web-based resources.
Assessment: This is unlike other books on diversity in the library profession, in which the focus is restricted to collection development, provision of services, or recruitment. While these essays may seem disparate, a broader understanding of diversity in our society emerges. With this book the editor moves workplace diversity discussions to a deeper level.