Atlantic Provinces Library Association 2021 Conference

The intention of this panel on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility is to provide an opportunity for librarians and library staff from universities across the Atlantic region to engage in discussions about the value and importance of increasing workplace diversity and creating an inclusive workplace environment. It will also be an opportunity to share the advances and progress made in respective university libraries on EDI and accessibility as well as addressing current and future challenges and opportunities. Through forecasting emerging EDI and accessibility topics and priorities in the library, the panel will create space for reflection and capacity-building through exploring two sub-themes: ‘courageous conversations’ and ‘adventurous approaches’. It will dig deep to explore hidden and emerging EDI and accessibility issues, and highlight the best examples of creative, courageous interventions that are contributing to change. An additional focus will be on using positive action to advance EDI and accessibility in the Atlantic region academic libraries.
We anticipate the panel to create space to engage with previously less-explored, hidden equity issues and examine/encourage promising practice to address them; increase knowledge and confidence in Atlantic region academic libraries to undertake positive action initiatives to tackle inequality and underrepresentation across workforce and library governance; improve member library capacity to make progress on EDI and accessibility in an increasingly complex environment; and engage with leaders and influencers to foster dialogue on embedding a strategic approach to equality/equity in member institutions.

This panel and engaged conversation is a safe space for first-voice participants to share their perspectives or experiences if they wish to.