Introduction
The NYU Division of Libraries’ core strategic priority is a commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Belonging, Equity, and Accessibility (IDBEA) in all that we do. The Libraries is a place, both physical and virtual, where NYU community members are encouraged to feel connected to the collections, services, and spaces of the Libraries. We strive to make our resources as inclusive, diverse, and accessible as possible to ensure a sense of equity and belonging for all. These principles are core parts of the Libraries’ Mission and Values.
Our work is focused on advancing four frameworks:
- Anti-racism
- Accessibility
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Gender Equity
Our initiatives are reflected in four key areas of our work:
- Our People
- Our Communities
- Our Scholarship
- Our Collections
Our People
To advance IDBEA throughout the Libraries, the Libraries develops a team that represents, respects, and advocates for all our community members. We implement best practices for hiring, onboarding, mentoring, coaching, and promotion, with the goal of recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty and staff.
- NYU Faculty Cluster Hiring Initiative
- Implementation of Fellowships and Mentoring Programs
- Creation of the Faculty Search Diversity Liaison role
- New reports on internal mobility and pay equity
- New guidelines for recruitment and onboarding best practices
- Request for Diversity Statements for every faculty hire
Our Communities
The Libraries is committed to prioritizing IDBEA topics in our approach to community engagement by collaborating with partners focused on IDBEA; prioritizing IDBEA in fundraising; highlighting IDBEA in internal and external communications; and by creating accessible spaces, services, and technologies based on universal design principles.
- NYU Reads
- Division of Libraries’ Day(s) of Learning
- Sensory Spaces
- Creation of relevant roles:
- Accessibility and Accommodation Librarian
- EDI Student Success Librarian
- Community Engagement Librarian and Head of External Engagement
- Artistic Perspectives on the Climate Emergency, Technology and Equity
Our Scholarship
We are committed to fostering and implementing ideas that reflect a wide variety of individual perspectives, experiences, and voices. We focus our research and teaching practices on critical pedagogy; accessibility; inclusive and open metadata principles and policies; and equity in research initiatives.
- Open Educational Resources Faculty Toolkit
- Wikimedians Edit-a-Thons
- Creation of relevant roles:
- Librarian for Open Science
- Librarian for Open Innovation
Our Collections
Our collections contain knowledge created by and about a wide array of people and cultures—and authentically reflect a variety of ideas, information, stories, and experiences. We strive to promote open and equitable access to our collections and educational resources; implement collection development policies that prioritize materials by underrepresented groups; and create inclusive metadata to increase discovery of our collections.
- Changing the Subject: Addressing Harmful Subject Headings in The NYU Libraries Catalog (Google Doc)
- A Harmful Language and Content Statement with a harmful language and content feedback form that allows users to report harmful description in our Special Collections
- New accessibility guidelines for web content and meetings (Google Doc)
- Increased scanning and locker pickup services for access to collections
Division of Libraries Strategic Priorities updated 2024