The association of research libraries (ARL) will develop a diversity, equity, and inclusion institute beginning with a pilot for academic and research librarians and archivists that builds on a…

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL), a nonprofit membership organization, was awarded a $249,531 Project Grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) Program (CFDA 45.313). The grant will support the development of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Institute targeted at academic and research librarians and archivists. The institute will build upon a previous IMLS planning grant and curriculum based on the "Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity" framework. The program will be offered to 75 participants, with two cohorts completing the institute over the 3-year grant period. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to advocate for and implement strategic shifts within their institutions to foster more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments for employees and the communities they serve. The cohort model will provide ongoing support and engagement beyond the individual institutional level.

The association of research libraries (ARL) will develop a diversity, equity, and inclusion institute beginning with a pilot for academic and research librarians and archivists that builds on a curriculum initially developed through a laura bush 21ST century librarian planning grant, and is based on the "cultural proficiencies for racial equity" framework developed jointly by ARL and the american library association. The institute will be offered to 75 participants and will be rigorously evaluated and assessed to inform subsequent implementations. Upon completion of the project, two cohorts of participants will have participated in the institute; these individuals will be poised to apply learning and resources from the institute to advocate for, implement, assess, and iterate upon strategic shifts in institutional policies, procedures, and practices to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments and experiences for employees and the communities they serve. The cohort model provides institute participants access to a network of support beyond their individual institutions, enabling continued connections, engagement, and learning.