The New Jersey Library Association has committed to prioritizing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion by “taking actions that impact policies and create positive change in the direction of equity and inclusion,” including setting goals to make NJLA a more diverse and equitable organization and an environment for inclusive engagement. 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award 

The award will recognize and honor outstanding contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion by an institution or individual in 2021.  The recipient(s) of the EDI Award will be selected by the Honors & Awards Committee. 

In accordance with the guidelines and definitions adopted by the ALA Council, recommended by the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

Equity

Equity is not the same as formal equality. Formal equality implies sameness. Equity, on the other hand, assumes difference and takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair (or equitable) 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. The effects of that exclusion often linger systemically within organizational policies, practices and procedures. Equity, therefore, means increasing diversity by ameliorating conditions of disadvantaged groups.

Adopted by ALA Council in 2017 per the recommendation of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Diversity

Diversity can be defined as the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. Visible diversity is generally those attributes or characteristics that are external. However, diversity goes beyond the external to internal characteristics that we choose to define as ‘invisible’ diversity. Invisible diversity includes those characteristics and attributes that are not readily seen. When we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual. (Adapted from National Education Association)

Adopted by ALA Council in 2017 per the recommendation of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Inclusion

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. (Adapted from Society for Human Resources Management, Hewlett Packard, and Ferris State University)

Adopted by ALA Council in 2017 per the recommendation of the ALA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

CRITERIA:

The nominated individual or institution demonstrates leadership regarding equity, diversity, and inclusion in libraries in one or more of the following ways:

• Advances (academic) research that informs, equity, diversity, and outreach efforts in Library and Information Science
• Advocates for sustainable equity, diversity, and inclusion through their work at the library or in the local community
• Strongly enhances the library's commitment to sustainable equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility
• Promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and shows commitment to the advancement thereof
• Creates/promotes library recruitment efforts to develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce
• Creates a positive working atmosphere for employees with diverse backgrounds and abilities
• Partners with community organizations that support diversity and/or advocate, promote, and encourage equity for and inclusion of underrepresented groups
• Offers a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible collection of materials
• Provides dedicated services to an underrepresented/marginalized group of constituents, including New Americans, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people, older adults, detention facilities, and/or mental health services

Friday, April 1, 2022