Context Diversity: A new Paradigm for Diversity in Library and Information Sciences North Carolina Central University SCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCES Aleck F. Williams, Jr. Introduction Results Discussion The purpose of this poster to explore a new paradigm of diversity in the field of Library and Information Sciences. The concept of “Context diversity” refers to a new paradigm that is systemic, inclusive, and multidimensional. Roberto Ibarra is renowned for his research on the concept of “Context diversity”. There are 52 library science programs in the United States, five of which are in North Carolina. North Carolina Central University is a pioneer in producing minority librarians and is the only HBCU with a library program in the United States. This poster will examine how “Context diversity” can play a role in recruiting and retaining minorities in Library and information science. Minorities make up only 13.8 % of all Librarians in the US. African-Americans only represent 4.5% of Librarians in the US. Figures 1 and 2 show the need for diversity in the library profession, with a This paper reviews two comprehensive bibliographies on diversity and African- Americans in Library and Information Science. Context diversity emphasizes reframing, rather than reforming, academic cultures to meet the needs of all populations and especially underrepresented groups. Context diversity is inclusive of all cultures and how they live and learn. It is different from structural diversity in that structural diversity is short term and driven by quotas, i.e. having a certain number of minorities enrolled in a program or in the workplace. WHY CONTEXT DIVERSITY? • Creates an environment where everyone is welcomed and invited • Research has shown that people use the library more frequently when they see library staff whose race is the same, and when collections materials and services reflect the diversity of users. L. Darby ―Abolishing Stereotypes: Recruitment & Retention of Minorities in the Acknowledgements Contact Aleck Williams, Jr. 919-236-3966 [email protected] 0 100 200 300 AA White H/AS FIGURE 2. ALISE 2009 STATISTICAL REPORT African-American Library School enrollment in NC (data from Fall 2005) 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 87 88 98 105 123 134 106 123 146 118 152 190 5 3 4 6 4 2 14 10 2 3 4 3 1 0 1 3 6 5 7 6 17 14 15 28 FIGURE 1 SLIS Graduate Student Enrollment by Ethnicity Black White Am. Ind. Asian Hispani c Other Background

Context Diversity: A new Paradigm for Diversity in Library and Information Sciences

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Context Diversity: A new Paradigm for Diversity in Library and Information Sciences

North Carolina Central UniversitySCHOOL OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCES

Aleck F. Williams, Jr.Introduction Results

Discussion

The purpose of this poster to explore a new paradigm of diversity in the field of Library and Information Sciences. The concept of “Context diversity” refers to a new paradigm that is systemic, inclusive, and multidimensional. Roberto Ibarra is renowned for his research on the concept of “Context diversity”.

There are 52 library science programs in the United States, five of which are in North Carolina. North Carolina Central University is a pioneer in producing minority librarians and is the only HBCU with a library program in the United States.

This poster will examine how “Context diversity” can play a role in recruiting and retaining minorities in Library and information science. Minorities make up only 13.8 % of all Librarians in the US. African-Americans only represent 4.5% of Librarians in the US.

Figures 1 and 2 show the need for diversity in the library profession, with a focus on NCCU’s library program and other programs in NC.

This paper reviews two comprehensive bibliographies on diversity and African-Americans in Library and Information Science.

Context diversity emphasizes reframing, rather than reforming, academic cultures to meet the needs of all populations and especially underrepresented groups. Context diversity is inclusive of all cultures and how they live and learn. It is different from structural diversity in that structural diversity is short term and driven by quotas, i.e. having a certain number of minorities enrolled in a program or in the workplace.

WHY CONTEXT DIVERSITY?• Creates an environment where everyone is welcomed and invited

• Research has shown that people use the library more frequently when they see library staff whose race is the same, and when collections materials and services reflect the diversity of users. L. Darby ―Abolishing Stereotypes: Recruitment &

Retention of Minorities in the Library Profession.‖ Rural Libraries 25.1 (2005): 7–17.

Acknowledgements

Contact Aleck Williams, Jr. 919-236-3966 [email protected]

NCCU

UNC-Chape

lUNCG

0100200300

AAWhiteH/AS

FIGURE 2. ALISE 2009 STATISTICAL REPORTAfrican-American Library School enrollment in NC (data from Fall 2005)

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 20090

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