Seminar: Experiences with Diversity Initiatives: IMLS-RBS Fellows Speak
For decades, Rare Book School (RBS) and RBMS have fostered the professional growth and career development of special collections professionals. In an effort to support diversity within special collections, the IMLS-RBS Fellowship for Early-Career Librarians was developed, with the first cohort awarded in 2015. While the program was open to applicants from any racial and ethnic background, special emphasis was placed on the recruitment of those who belong to underrepresented communities in the field of rare books and special collections, or who served underrepresented populations. This session features IMLS-RBS fellows who will detail their experiences while in the program. It will also explore the necessity of diversity initiatives within librarianship, how these initiatives are discovered, and considerations for organizations who are considering implementing similar programs.
Moderator: Julie Grob, University of Houston
Speakers:
Jamillah R. Gabriel, Black Cultural Center, Purdue University
Yuh-Fen Benda, Vanderbilt University
Sarah M. Allison, New Mexico State University