Developing a Shared and Inclusive Understanding of Diversity ……………… 3

Office of the Dean The Pennsylvania State University 814-865-0401 University Libraries and 510 Paterno Library Fax: 814-865-3665 Scholarly Communications University Park, PA 16802-1812 A Framework for Fostering Diversity at Penn State: 2004-09 The University Libraries: Assessment of Progress Prepared by: Diversity Committee, University Libraries Dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications December 15, 2006 Table of Contents Introduction ….......................................................................................................................... 1 Description of the University Libraries as an Academic Unit ………………………………. 2 Challenge 1: Developing a Shared and Inclusive Understanding of Diversity ……………… 3 Challenge 2: Creating a Welcoming Campus Climate ……………………………………… 7 Challenge 3: Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Student Body ……………………………. 11 Challenge 4: Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Workforce ………………………………. 14 Challenge 5: Developing a Curriculum that Fosters Intercultural and International Competence ………………………………………………………………………………….. 18 Challenge 6: Diversifying University Leadership and Management ……………………….. 20 Challenge 7: Coordinating Organizational Change to Support Our Diversity Goals ……….. 23 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1: University Libraries’ Demographic Profile ………………………..………….. 26 Appendix 2: University Libraries’ Organizational Chart …………………………………… 38 Appendix 3: List of Diversity-Related Programs and Exhibitions Presented, Sponsored, and Co-Sponsored by the University Libraries ……………………………………………… 39 Appendix 4: Libraries’ Outreach at Commonwealth Campus Locations …………………… 51 Appendix 5: Course-Related Library Instruction Supporting General Education Requirement for Intercultural and International Competence ……………………………….. 53 Appendix 6: Collections Codes Identifying Diversity Collections …………………………. 54 Appendix 7: Bibliography of Diversity-Related Research and Publications by University Libraries and Scholarly Communications Personnel …………………………….. 55 i Introduction The University Libraries have had a strong diversity focus for over fifteen years. The Libraries have used two Diversity Consultants from the Association of Research Libraries, Kriza Jennings (1992-1996) and DeEtta Jones (1996-1999), to advise on the earlier stages of a diversity program for the Libraries. The first internal climate survey was conducted in 1995 by researchers from Penn State’s Department of Psychology and the Center for Applied Behavioral Sciences. Subsequently, we have worked with the Office of Educational Equity and have conducted new climate surveys every five to six years. Thus, the University Libraries’ diversity efforts reflect a mature program and consequently show modest progress in any given year, given the historical efforts over the last fifteen years that current efforts build upon. The University Libraries have focused in particular on the following three goals: • Respecting individual contributions to the academic environment • Providing equitable access for all to information resources • Fostering diversity in the workplace and the campus environment The University Libraries aspire to address these challenges, which are consistent with the University’s Framework for Diversity. Many activities reported in this update are continuations of previous work where we have already made significant efforts and which have been reported in earlier Framework updates. This midpoint update for 2004-2009 outlines the progress of the University Libraries in achieving our goals and commitment for enhancing diversity at Penn State in these three focus areas. Appendix One summarizes statistically our hiring demographics for 1999-2006. Page 1 University Libraries’ Diversity Framework Update – December 2006 Description of the University Libraries as an Academic Unit Prior to June 30, 2005, the University Libraries had a complex organizational structure in which all but the Dickinson School of Law and Hershey Medical Center/College of Medicine libraries reported to the Dean of University Libraries, but portions of the budget remained with the campus deans. The Law Library and the Medical Library were autonomous and reported to those deans. Penn College was not a part of the University Libraries due to its legal status. Earlier critiques of Libraries’ updates on progress relating to the Framework to Foster Diversity at Penn State criticized the Libraries for lack of clarity on reporting structures and campus library diversity activities. With the latest University reorganization, effective July 1, 2005, the University Libraries have been reconfigured so that all Libraries’ staff, budgets, and programming now report directly to the Dean of University Libraries. (See Appendix Two) The previously autonomous law and medical libraries are also now part of the University Libraries. And, in December 2005, the Penn State Press began to report to the Dean, whose title was changed to “Dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications” to reflect this change and the growing focus on online scholarly publishing and networked distribution of research. The University Libraries are an academic support unit to Penn State faculty, staff, and students and to academic programs of the colleges. It is comprised of 37 libraries at 24 locations. The Libraries support instructional and research goals of University faculty, staff, and students as well as the citizens of Pennsylvania through its collections (paper and virtual). In addition to collections the Libraries provide outreach and service to all of its patrons, including those affiliated with the World Campus, through on-site and on-line (virtual) reference assistance, instruction, and access services activities such as course reserves and interlibrary loan. This current update thus reflects diversity activities and progress at all 37 libraries at Penn State’s 24 campus locations. Page 2 University Libraries’ Diversity Framework Update – December 2006 Challenge 1: Developing a Shared and Inclusive Understanding of Diversity Unit Definition of Diversity The University Libraries continue to employ two complementary definitions of diversity; one developed internally by the Libraries in 1995 and one adopted from the University in 1998. These are in the 98/03 Framework as follows: University Libraries’ definition of diversity for all locations: The University Libraries provide The Pennsylvania State University communities with equitable access to all of its information resources and services. This access is guaranteed without regard to race, ethnicity, language, age, religion or spiritual beliefs, health, gender, sexual orientation, physical capabilities, or geographic origin. The University Libraries are committed to providing equal access to employment and opportunity for advancement without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state and federal authorities. From the 1998 Framework: “One of the most succinct statements about the University’s diversity objectives is contained in a presentation by Provost John Brighton to the University Board of Trustees in 1993. Under the topic “What Do We Mean By Diversity,” Provost Brighton provided several descriptors: • Reasonable representation from different minority groups • Representation from different countries and cultures • Reasonable balance of gender • Diversity in curriculum content • Climate supportive of different minority groups and cultures This conception of diversity provides a viable foundation for official efforts to describe the University’s diversity objectives . .” Distribution of Information to Students about the University’s Diversity Initiatives The University Libraries employ approximately 400 student employees. To the fullest possible extent, student employees are encouraged to become members of the Diversity Committee. Student employees are also invited to participate in the new employee orientation. This program provides an introduction to the University Libraries’ shared vision of diversity from members of the Diversity Committee and department heads. Additionally, diversity programming is offered to all employees, including student employees. The newly revised Guide to the Libraries, Page 3 University Libraries’ Diversity Framework Update – December 2006 available at service points in all Libraries’ locations, provides a representative portrayal of the diversity present among student constituencies at all Penn State locations. Distribution of Information to Faculty and Staff about the University’s Diversity Initiatives Communication of events, initiatives, and Diversity Committee information is made through: • The University Libraries’ Diversity Web page on the Libraries’ Web site. • The Libraries’ diversity brochure published nearly two years ago, that is being revised to include the most contemporary information on diversity. • Employee orientations scheduled for each new employee within the first three months of employment with Penn State. • Specialized programming addressing diversity issues offered on a regular basis and to all employees. • The Dean of the University Libraries and Scholarly Communications’ biannual Diversity Forums. Two sessions of the Dean’s Diversity Forum are held for all employees. The purpose of the forums is to provide updates on the progress of the University Libraries and Penn State Press pursuant to our commitment of accomplishing the goals outlined in the Framework to Foster

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