This week, I want to think about the difference between diversity and inclusion, reinforced by Professor Stephen’s interview with Madaline Paxaman. While many use the words diversity and inclusion interchangeably, there is a critical difference between the two and how we use them in the library. Diversity refers essentially to who is allowed entrance into a space. Inclusion is how they are treated within the space. We see this often in books and media that may have a non-cis, non-white character; however, oftentimes that character was created (at best) to say, “look at how diverse this project is” and (at worst) to reinforce harmful stereotypes. Libraries need BOTH diverse and inclusive materials within their collection, not only for representation, but to dismantle the narratives that have been used to marginalize and oppress. According to Stephens, “Libraries can push back against fear with the power of free information and a space that says no matter who you are, you are welcome” (Paxaman, 2019), a statement with so much power behind it. Libraries, to their core, are vehicles of social justice. Their institutional and unwavering goals to ensure equal access to information and foster lifelong learning make them inherent combatants against any form of discrimination.
I’m thinking now about my local library’s weekly English Conversation program that welcomes non-native English speakers to come in and have the opportunity to practice and develop their English. I cannot reinforce enough how critical this program is. Native English speakers are so privileged in that ability and do not often consider how difficult it would be to live, work, go to school, maneuver through medical or legal systems, and so many other critically important aspects of life- without the ability to speak the predominant language. This is just one example of how the library can be not just a diverse, but inclusive and truly life-changing place that creates opportunities for people to thrive and assert agency over their lives.
References
Los Angeles Public Library. (n.d.). English conversation. https://www.lapl.org/events/english-conversation
Paxaman, Madaline. (2019). Challenged but not dying: The public libraries are more relevant than ever. Wayback Machine. https://web.archive.org/web/20201125214023/http://www.jutlandstation.dk/challenged-but-not-dying-the-public-libraries-are-more-relevant-than-ever/