On Thursday, October 10, University Librarian Carol Smith delivered a 4-minute flash presentation at the DI&A Campus Symposium, sharing key aspects of the Library and Museum Department’s plans to improve both physical and digital accessibility, foster a more intentionally welcoming environment, diversify our collections, embrace DI&A into daily department culture and practices, support open education resources and open access principles, and celebrate DI&A through exhibits, displays, and programming. It was a lot to cover in a few short minutes! Our development of a capsule collection of diversity titles for campus use received a special round of applause.
Top Ten DI&A Accomplishments 2021-2022
ACCESSIBILITY
Course Readings initiative facilitates the integration of library materials within the curriculum, further contributing significantly to financial accessibility.
Library-developed and led Accessibility Course for Educators (ACE) contributing to classroom
accessibility and inclusivity.
WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT
Library’s new Busy Bags initiative contributes to a family-friendly, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
Library space improvement projects (under way) will improve physical accessibility.
DIVERSITY OF COLLECTIONS
Newly added library databases support primary source DI&A research and meet the language needs of international students.
FACULTY & STAFF
Faculty and staff professional development expanded beyond individual efforts to department-wide workshops and activities.
OPEN ACCESS, OPEN ED RESOURCES
Open Educational Resources (OER) initiatives now saving students $621K annually in curricular material costs. Significant contribution to the affordability of a Mines education.
New Open Access (OA) initiatives contributing to global efforts to reduce academic publishing expenses, thereby contributing to financial affordability.
CELEBRATING DI&A – Resources, Programs, Exhibits
Ongoing Library DI&A-centered engagement events and exhibits contributing to active campus discussions.
Library’s DI&A initiatives received significant formal recognition in the form of awards in 2021.