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Equity, Diversity, Inclusion - or EDI - is a phrase we’ve been hearing a lot lately, but what does it mean? What makes it so important to our work in Connecticut libraries, and how can we apply these principles
to our everyday Library work? This two-hour online workshop aims to begin answering these questions and provide attendees a foundation from which to build an understanding of EDI, and apply them in practice to our real-life library work.
The workshop will begin with a presentation from Dr. Sandra Hughes-Hassell, who will discuss basics and provide attendees with a general understanding of principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion,
along with a sense of what this all means for libraries. Dr. Hughes-Hassell is a Professor and Coordinator of the School Library Media Coordinator Program at the UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS). Her research focuses on social justice issues
in library services, culturally relevant practice in libraries, and diverse youth literature. She has published widely and presented locally and nationally on critical race theory, culturally relevant pedagogy, and the role of librarians in supporting the
literacy needs of African American youth.
Then, we will hear from a panel of four Connecticut library workers about their experiences with issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The panelists will include:
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Gabbie Barnes, Wilson Branch Manager, Windsor Public Library
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Rachel Gravel, Head of Borrowing & Technical Services, Simsbury Public Library
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Alice Knapp, President, The Ferguson Library (Stamford)
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Ayanna Wright, Teen Librarian, Russell Library (Middletown)
The panel discussion will give attendees an idea of what EDI work looks like on a more practical level, and what it means to pursue this work in a meaningful way in Connecticut. Attendees will also have
an opportunity to ask questions so that we can advance the conversation around this topic.So, whether EDI is totally new to you, or you’ve already begun your journey, this workshop is sure to give you some food for thought and some ideas for how to keep the
conversation going. We hope to see you there!
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