Taking Steps to Decolonize Library Collections, Policies and Services

Abstract

Emergent issues relating to equity and inclusion have highlighted the systematic and structural inequities experienced by society, which trickles down to our institutions, deeply affecting researchers using library collections and services. While events have shined a light on the overt disparities among social, ethnic, racial groups and other marginalized populations, they have also offered libraries an opportunity to make changes to their ethos and practices. This paper provides an overview of a multi-year approach implemented at an academic library to intentionally re-imagine its collections, policies, and services to decolonize the library with little or no extra expenditures. Steps taken and discussed will showcase some creative, practical, and manageable steps that all libraries can take to better promote social justice, and equity for all. By taking these simple steps relating to equity, diversity and inclusion, libraries can transform their practices and environments, resulting in a more transparent commitment to decolonize collections, services, and policies.