The State Library of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Library Association's Roundtable on Ethnic and Minority Concerns and with consultation from Dr. Love Jones of Interwoven Consulting, has created the Racial Equity in Libraries Toolkit.
The State Library of North Carolina recognizes that deeper learning about bias, structural racism, and racism in libraries is essential for moving the profession forward to create truly diverse and inclusive institutions. Available for all statewide library staff through the SLNC Niche Academy, the Racial Equity in Libraries Toolkit has been created to increase awareness and knowledge around structural racism in the United States, North Carolina, and within the library profession. The interactive nature of this Toolkit makes it one of a kind within the public library world.
"We are delighted that the Racial Equity Toolkit has come to fruition,” said Cotina Jones, director of Library Development. “The Toolkit will be helpful to all North Carolina libraries as they address diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within their organizations."
This project was made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-246155-OLS-20). Questions regarding the Toolkit can be directed to slnc.ld@ncdcr.gov.
About the State Library
The State Library enriches the lives of North Carolinians through access to information resources, strengthens communities through exceptional library services, and inspires and supports literacy and lifelong learning for all North Carolinians. The Library Development section helps North Carolina Libraries serve their communities by providing consulting services, supporting continuing education opportunities, and administering grant programs, including the Aid to Public Libraries fund that supports public libraries serving all 100 NC counties. The North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services (SLNC ABLS) circulates books and magazines especially made for persons who cannot use regular printed material because of a visual or physical disability. The Government & Heritage Library provides library materials and services to support state employees, family history researchers, educators and students, and those interested in North Carolina culture and history.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, three science museums, three aquariums and Jennette's Pier, 41 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the N.C. Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, and the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov.