On-Demand Webinar - Best of Core Forum: Using Critical Reflection to Navigate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Issues

Description: Over the last several years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become critical issues for the library community. This essential focus is codified in the Diversity section of the American Libraries Association’s "Core Values of Librarianship". At the same time, the tremendous benefit of creating more inclusive libraries is becoming increasingly apparent. Everything from improving a library's ability to respond to the needs of its community to attracting a workforce with broad skills can be improved by building inclusive libraries, yet becoming competent in this area can be challenging and deeply emotional. Situations can be complex to navigate and individuals can experience shame, fear, and self disappointment. In her book, How to Be an Inclusive Leader, author Jennifer Brown describes a model for navigating self-growth in this area. The Inclusive Leaders Continuum includes four stages: Unaware, Aware, Active, and Advocate. Particularly in the Aware stage, Brown calls for "deep self-reflection and internal dialogue". One way of doing this is through intentional critical reflection, actively observing experiences often through writing, while offering practical tools for continuous learning. We will explore Brown's model, emphasizing the Aware stage and present specific reflective techniques that participants can use to increase their own competencies.

This webinar was previously presented in-person as a session at the 2023 Core Forum. We are hosting this webinar, with the session adapted and presented live as a virtual event, to extend its reach.

Learning Outcomes: 

At the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the four stages of the Inclusive Leader Continuum;
• Articulate for themselves the importance of raising one's awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusive issues and practices; and
• Select an appropriate critical reflection practice when navigating a DEI situation.

Who Should Attend: Anyone with formal leadership duties or informal responsibilities that direct or influence the experiences of others, individuals with a desire to help create inclusive environments, or individuals with a desire to learn more about critical reflection.

Presenters: 

Megan Davis is an Associate Professor and Librarian in the Instruction & Research Services unit at Albertsons Library, Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. She currently works as a liaison providing resources and information literacy instruction for the Department of Biological Sciences and multiple departments within the College of Health Sciences. Megan has been a member of the Research Data Management Group at Albertsons Library for almost ten years and enjoys working with faculty researchers on campus.

Michelle Armstrong is the Associate Dean for Albertsons Library at Boise State University. In this role she assists with personnel, policy, facilities, and budget issues, as well as helps facilitate the library’s strategic plan. Armstrong has served as a member of the library’s Research Data Management Group and Head of the Scholarly Communications and Data Management unit. Before coming to Boise State, she oversaw a U.S. Department of Justice grant called the “Victims of Crime with Disabilities Resource Guide”. She has also worked as a special education teacher and Coordinator of Information Services for the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities at the University of Wyoming.

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