Differences Make Us Stronger: Diversity in the Library

With changing demographics and heightened awareness over multiculturalism, librarians need to explore new ways of meeting patron needs: from asking for the input of community focus groups to conducting staff training workshops in diversity. Drawing on commentary from library directors, staff, and trainers, this program counsels viewers in redefining customer service, evaluating materials selection, assessing library services and programs, strengthening communication (whether between staff and patrons or staff members themselves), assuring diversity in the workplace, and providing training to staff. There are a couple of dangers here that aren't addressed: it's easy to cross the line separating "cultural advisor" from "cultural police" (in the not recommended companion video From the Front of the Room: Trainers Discuss Diversity Training, that line is very shaky at times). Another is that we must be very careful when we ask members of the community to decide what the needs of "African-American" or "Asian" patrons are--just as a few Puritan ministers don't speak for me as a white male, a few black or Japanese people don't speak for the black or "Asian" experience in America: these cultures are too diverse. Keeping these cautions in mind, Differences Make Us Stronger is recommended as a good discussion-starter for library staff collections. (R. Pitman)