Senior Engineering and Electronic Collections Librarian Phil Hewitt’s proposal for an Anti-Racism Educational Center was chosen in the Exempt Staff category for the Creative Ideas to Transform Lehigh into an Antiracist Institution. The proposed center is envisioned as a multi-use, community-inclusive space, with a library dedicated to anti-racist literature, providing a place for students and faculty to research, discuss, and study anti-racism. LTS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION EVENTS Diversity-themed online trivia night with special guest host Steven Bost, October. Online Coffee and Conversations throughout the year to provide a safe space for colleagues to gather and have some conversation. Movie and Munchies: an online viewing of the movie Milwaukee 53206, November. Colleagues gathered afterward to share personal reactions, reflect, and engage in open conversation about the film. Month-long online photography contest, with two categories: Think Spring and Gratitude, April. In alignment with the Libraries' goal to expand inclusivity of library collections and services, the library hosted staff meetings in which volunteers shared personal insights and proposed transformative programs related to 5 focus areas: Programs, Policies, Products, People, and Places. The Lehigh Libraries examined past vendor purchases and transitioned some to BIPOC-owned businesses. The Lehigh Libraries have revised the ASA catalog to reflect history and eliminate racist terminology such as “illegal aliens” and the “Tulsa riots.” This work is part of a continuing effort to examine cataloging records and remove language that is historically inaccurate, offensive, discriminatory, or harmful. The OverDrive collection provides access to over 700 ebooks and audiobooks from diverse perspectives to support teaching and to support the university’s antiracist initiatives. Since the purchase of this collection, the libraries have seen more than 1,200 checkouts of these titles. Partnered with the Bethlehem Area Public Library and Lehigh University Art Galleries, in conjunction with the Notations Series, on the Toni Morrison Book Discussion group throughout 2021. Developed a pilot program open to all high schools in Northampton and Lehigh counties to provide free-tothe-school access to the Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE) digital science learning resources. Jasmine Woodson, Assistant Director of Instruction and Outreach & Education Librarian, co-founded Community Conversation About Race, an initiative that addresses the need for more open, honest dialogue. Members of the university and local community met for monthly discussions where they made interpersonal connections and found value in expanding, deepening, and complicating their understanding of crucial race-related topics. The twelve sessions offered in 2020-21 drew nearly 2,000 attendees, averaging about 124 attendees each. 2020-21 LTS DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE Carrie Baldwin-SoRelle Richard Bauer Erica Douglas-Gluszynski Phil Hewitt Alex Japha Ilena Key Wayne Mery Jesse Pearson Hope Sagnip Sara Solares John Zekind C O M M U N I T Y 2020 / 21 | ANNUA L REPORT | 29 James Monek, Chair Cristina Koorie, Vice-Chair & CEC Representative
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