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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our Commitment to Diversity

In support of the University’s diversity goals and the mission of the UNC School of Information and Library Science, SILS embraces and promotes diversity and inclusion in all their forms. We broadly define diversity to include ability, age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, immigration status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. SILS is committed to preparing our graduates to be leaders in an increasingly multicultural and global society.

To this end, we strive to:

  • Ensure that our leadership, policies, and practices are inclusive
  • Integrate diversity into our curriculum and research
  • Promote and nurture an environment in which diverse perspectives and experiences are respected and valued
  • Recruit and retain students, faculty, and staff from traditionally underrepresented groups
  • Participate in outreach to underserved communities in North Carolina and beyond

We are committed to cultivating an academic environment that is open, representative, and equitable to all.

~The Faculty and Staff of the UNC School of Information and Library Science

UNC Diversity Resources

Diversity Support at SILS

Structural Components in Place

  1. The Diversity Committee is one of the five standing committees of SILS.  This committee was recently renamed the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) committee.
  2. The SAID Committee meets twice a year, has a dedicated fund and liaison to the Diversity Committee.
  3. SILS takes advantage of campus-wide initiatives to recruit students (e.g., graduate school fellowships such as Weiss, ALA Spectrum) and faculty (e.g., VITAE program).
  4. The Mae Rodney Fund and Irene Owens Fund both support underrepresented students.
  5. There is a SILS Diversity statement poster in Manning Hall Lobby signed by SILS faculty.
  6. SILS offers a Diversity Certificate and recipients are honored in the commencement program.
  7. SILS has two student groups devoted to D&I:
    1. Queer Library & Information Collective (QLIC)
    2. Coalition of Youth Librarians (COYL)
  8. SILS offers D&I specific courses
    • INLS 690-276: Informational Professional in the Makerspace
    • INLS 690-313: Humanistic Theories for LIS Inquiry
    • INLS 690-323: Community Archives
    • INLS 690-324: Design for Accessibility
    • INLS 737: Inclusive Information Services for Diverse Populations
    • INLS 739: Information Services for Specific Populations
    • INLS 754 Access, Outreach, and Public Service in Cultural Heritage Repositories
    • INLS 758: International and Cross-Cultural Perspectives for Information Management
    • INLS 735: Youth Services in a Diverse Society

Specific Programs and Activities

  1. Project Ready Curriculum and Support Services
  2. The Annual Symposium for Public Good
  3. Equity in the Making Lab