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������ϲ����� Libraries has received the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity Award (LEAD) from , the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The LEAD Award honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) across their campus. These include, but are not limited to research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions and community outreach.

“Our library’s approach to access and diversity is intentional and compassionate, and translates to all core areas of our work – from creating welcoming spaces, decolonizing research collections and facilitating inclusive learning experiences,” said Dean of Libraries Andrea Falcone. “While we are truly honored by this recognition, we know there is more work to do.”

Like ������ϲ�����, the ������ϲ����� Libraries has embedded diversity, equity and inclusion in its organizational strategic plan. The Libraries support several major initiatives to ensure diversity throughout their collections, practices and events. These initiatives, amongst many efforts for DEI promotion, include the creation of a decolonizing collections working group to ensure that current acquisitions align with and are representative of the broad and diverse community, curating subject guides related to anti-racism and reading lists highlighting diverse voices, as well as regularly collaborating with campus partners to host programs that showcase a variety of perspectives.

“������ϲ����� Libraries richly deserve the recognition of the LEAD Award,” said Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Donald Hall. “They have demonstrated their commitment to DEI principles in their hiring, their programming and through their strategic plan. I congratulate all of our librarians and the library staff on the excellent work they are doing!”

The Libraries will be featured, along with 55 other recipients, in the March 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.

“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and access” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.”

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