KSUL Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

for Kent State University Libraries, LaunchNET,  
May 4 Visitors Center, and University Press  

Kent State University Libraries (KSUL) is committed to the highest ideals of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in support of our employees, students, staff, faculty, and community at large.  

Furthermore, KSUL believes it is imperative to oppose discrimination and other forms of oppression and to stand against hatred in all its forms.  
 
Within that context, KSUL upholds intellectual freedom, opposes censorship, and supports a free exchange of ideas through its services, collections, exhibits, and programming, with the expectation of respectful speech and open understanding. 
 
KSUL is committed to building an accessible and diverse collection of content and materials by and about a wide array of people and cultures to authentically reflect a variety of ideas, information, stories, and lived experiences, past and present.   
 
KSUL resolves to create welcoming, accessible environments in both its physical and virtual spaces, providing members of its community with a sense of belonging and acceptance to encourage a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning. 
 
KSUL strives to incorporate principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity in its recruitment, hiring, and retention efforts at all levels and to support the personal growth and professional development of its employees to live these principles. KSUL commits to supporting our employees in learning about, examining, and repairing the effects of institutional racism and oppressive systems within and outside of our organization, through action, research, study, conversation, and personal reflection.  
 
Values  

• Belonging  
• Compassion   
• Curiosity  
• Lifelong Learning  
• Reflective Community  
• Respect  
• Stewardship  
• Welcoming  

KSUL acknowledges that this work is a never-ending commitment, and we welcome more voices and collaborators. KSUL faculty and staff members are already advancing efforts by:  

• Participating in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Planning that builds on the recommendations of our DEI Task Force.  
• Charging a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force to investigate key questions raised by our community. (See appendix A)  
• Participating in the OhioLINK Luminaries program to provide underrepresented undergraduates supported introductory experiences to careers in librarianship and the information industry. 
• Offering its Hack the Stacks program to discover and acquire resources about and by diverse peoples.  
• Developing new inclusive spaces, like the Family Friendly Corner on the sixth floor of the University Library.