Library Collection Diversity Audit

In spring, 2022, we conducted our first full diversity audit of our printed books for all ages using the Ingram iCurate services. We  budgeted specific funds to fill identified gaps in our collection and added 300 new titles to the collection. We continued to use the reports to fill gaps in the 2022-2023 fiscal year. 

The audit identified eleven categories that appeal to diverse audiences and represent diverse authors and topics. Those categories are: Asian interest, Black interest, Indigenous interest, Jewish interest, Latinx interest, LGBTQIA interest, mental health, Middle Eastern interest, multicultural, Muslim interest, and neuro and physical diversity.

We began dedicating funds for diversifying our collections in 2018, and while that work is reflected in the reports, we still had gaps important to address. There are also known challenges even finding certain materials through vendors and from publishers, which our librarian staff continue to investigate with deeper research and sourcing. 

This work stems from goals in our strategic planning, collection development policy and practices, and from best practices of the profession, including the Oregon Library Association's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Toolkit.