A.T. Still Memorial Library is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all (DEIA). We draw inspiration for our DEIA efforts from the University’s ideals of whole person healthcare and scholarship, MLA (Medical Library Association) Code of Ethics, the library’s strategic plan, and the ATSU Advisory Council on Diversity (ACOD) - 2020 Diversity Strategic Plan Narrative.
This guide is a resource for students, faculty, and staff to explore a multitude of resources on various topics including race/racism, the LGBTQ community, social medicine, social justice, health equity/equality, and other vital subjects medical professionals may need to expand their knowledge to best serve the communities they interact with.
A.T. Still Memorial Library is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all (DEIA). We draw inspiration for our DEIA efforts from the University’s ideals of whole person healthcare and scholarship, MLA (Medical Library Association) Code of Ethics, the library’s strategic plan, and the ATSU Advisory Council on Diversity (ACOD) - 2020 Diversity Strategic Plan Narrative.
This guide is a resource for students, faculty, and staff to explore a multitude of resources on various topics including race/racism, the LGBTQ community, social medicine, social justice, health equity/equality, and other vital subjects medical professionals may need to expand their knowledge to best serve the communities they interact with.
A.T. Still Memorial Library is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all (DEIA). We draw inspiration for our DEIA efforts from the University’s ideals of whole person healthcare and scholarship, MLA (Medical Library Association) Code of Ethics, the library’s strategic plan, and the ATSU Advisory Council on Diversity (ACOD) - 2020 Diversity Strategic Plan Narrative.
We are committed to providing accessible and welcoming spaces, a team of employees with unique and diverse strengths and experiences, quality resources reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve, and services informed by evidence-based practice, whole person healthcare, and the evolving needs of library stakeholders. We acknowledge the continual process of cultural proficiency and strive toward its attainment. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes an appreciation of the diverse needs of ATSU primary stakeholders. We value and affirm the unique talents and skills, as well as the differences and similarities of our workforce, including differences in race, economic status, age, language, culture, ability, physical appearance, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, diversity of ideas, and many more. We strive to be educational agents of change in all aspects of our work in alignment with the library’s and the university’s strategic goals and objectives. A.T. Still Memorial Library aims to take a variety of concrete actions supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. For example, we will strengthen existing relationships and create and sustain campus-wide key partnerships. We are dedicated to promoting accountability, open communication and exchange of ideas/discussions in a transparent, respectful, and professional way. We will consciously build diverse and accessible collections that reflect the library’s primary stakeholders’ (students, faculty, and staff) academic learning, teaching, and research needs, as well as the needs of the communities served. DEIA initiatives undertaken by the library will be reviewed on an annual basis, and the library will actively assess and seek feedback from library users and stakeholders regarding these initiatives.
To fulfill this commitment, we strive to:
Explore educational tools and conduct workshops and events to support growth development of employees; educate and promote cultural proficiency and awareness.
Promote a safe, accessible, equitable, and inclusive environment for all.
Collaborate in DEIA initiatives with University-wide stakeholders and community health centers.
Enhance and promote inclusive, accessible, learner centered and evidence based instruction and scholarship for our diverse university-wide users.
Build a responsive, scientific, and evidence-based library collection.
Create library spaces and policies that are welcoming and inclusive.
Create an open and respectful work environment for all library employees.
Foster awareness, understanding, cultural sensitivity, respect, and responsiveness
Create an inclusive infrastructure that promotes better understanding among diverse groups
Be proactive to the changing needs of ATSU stakeholders and community partners.
Recruit and retain a talented, diverse and inclusive workforce.
A.T. Still Memorial Library does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or hate speech. The library is committed to creating an environment free from hateful and unethical behavior.
***Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are all essential values of A.T. Still
Memorial Library.
Action Plan
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
Diversity “can be defined as the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. When we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual.”
Equity “takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair outcome. Equity recognizes that some groups were (and are) disadvantaged in accessing educational and employment opportunities and are, therefore, underrepresented or marginalized in many organizations and institutions. Equity, therefore, means increasing diversity by ameliorating conditions of disadvantaged groups.”
Inclusion “means an environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.”
Accessibility “is the extent to which an information resource is retrievable and understandable by all users, especially those with special needs and disabilities. Accessibility to users with disabilities is one of our key goals for the website, as specified in the library’s strategic plan, and is part of ALA Policy 54.3.2, which calls for Level 2 Success Criteria as defined by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). User groups with special needs and disabilities include blind users who use screen reader software, low vision and/or colorblind users, users with low technology access or skill levels, and low-mobility users who use only keyboard controls.”https://www.ala.org/support/style/accessibility
Collection Diversity is defined by meeting the different needs of the different programs and patrons and providing materials that are accessible by all abilities. This also includes specialized collections such as the Whole Person Collection and augmenting library resources with counter stories to the dominant narrative and experience.
ATSU Stakeholders include but are not limited to: students, faculty, staff, alumni, administrators, visiting researchers, visitors, research support units, community health centers, communities, and school organizations.
Cultural [proficiency]: “A congruent set of behaviors, attitudes, and policies that enable a person or group to work effectively in cross-cultural situations; the process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each (National Association of Social Workers, 2001).”