Library Conversations on Diversity and Inclusion

The Library Conversations on Diversity and Inclusion series was created after discussions with the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group on how the library could actively promote diversity and inclusion. A precedent was made to create concrete actions to engage library staff and faculty in discussions around the theme of diversity and inclusion to diffuse a clearer understanding of the lives of others.

Leonard Lief Library recognizes and values the rich diversity of Lehman College students, faculty, staff - and our surrounding Bronx community.

By supporting CUNY Libraries’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion - the Library Diversity and Inclusion Working Group’s mission is to:

• Create, foster, and sustain diverse collections in multiple formats
• Recommend policies and advocate for adoption of equitable practices by partnering with library administration to include underrepresented groups at all levels of library staffing [professional, classified, and student employees]
• Sponsor programs that address and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Commit to representing diversity in our instruction, public services, and scholarship
• Develop and promote diversity awareness and cultural competencies
• Nurture and sustain a welcoming, intellectually stimulating environment for all patrons - as manifested in space design, deployment of technology, access policies, and public services
• Continue to educate ourselves around issues of race, power, and privilege

            Adopted by the Leonard Lief Library, June 2020

The Library condemns the recent senseless murder of George Floyd and deplores ongoing structural racism, discrimination, and inequity that continue in American society.

We remain committed to our diverse Bronx community - one that has tragically suffered in the COVID-19 pandemic while providing essential services to the City.

For this reason – library faculty:

• pledge to redouble our efforts to offer programs that address and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion
• will continue to support Lehman College’s social justice mission - and remain committed to representing diversity and inclusion in instruction, public services, and scholarship
• will continue to educate ourselves around issues of race, power, and privilege as we support our community

Adopted by the Leonard Lief Library, June 2020 

Vanessa Arce Senati
Assistant Professor | Head of Reference
vanessa.arcesenati@lehman.cuny.edu

Rebecca Arzola
Lecturer | Government Information-Student Engagement Librarian
rebecca.arzola@lehman.cuny.edu

Alison Lehner-Quam
Assistant Professor | Education Librarian
alison.lehnerquam@lehman.cuny.edu