Practical Tips for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries

Beth moved into libraries after a career as an evolutionary biologist, seeing than she could have a far greater impact by supporting others than by continuing as a researcher herself. Beth retrained at the University of Sheffield Information School, and having previously worked as a researcher support librarian at the University of Sheffield, Bishop Grossteste University and the University of Nottingham, is currently Head of Library and Information Services at the Francis Crick Institute. Beth has a wealth of experience working in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) projects and campaigns. In 2020 Beth jointly won the Royal Society Athena Prize for setting up the LGBTQ+ STEMinar, a conference designed to give a space where researchers in the STEM fields can discuss and present their research in a supporting atmosphere. Beth has also previously been shortlisted for the Gay Times Barbara Burford Award for Excellence in STEM. Previously as the Diversity and Inclusions Officer for the Yorkshire and Humberside CILIP Members' Network and currently as Co-chair of the CILIP LGBTQ+ Network, Beth works with other Librarians to help them support Equality, Diversity and Inclusions efforts within the Libraries sector. She is also a strong supporter of UKSG and has recently joined the editorial board at the journal Insights. Beth lives in Yorkshire with her wife and currently spends her free time reading, gardening, powerlifting and playing computer games. An eclectic mix.

Introduction



First Steps


Compliance and Beyond


Policies and Actions


Inclusive Staff Environments


Collections, Resources and Services 49


Physical Space


Decolonising and Diversifying Collections


Supporting Research


Events and Visitors


Training


Final Thoughts