Columbia university libraries' rare book & manuscript library will convene a forum of archives and special collections curators to enhance professional development and inclusivity in this…

Columbia university libraries' rare book & manuscript library will convene a forum of archives and special collections curators to enhance professional development and inclusivity in this often-overlooked part of the profession. The two-day forum will gather 15-20 black, indigenous, and people of color curators to share knowledge, discuss contemporary curatorial work including professional development needs and barriers to the field, and foster conversations on ethical stewardship of collections. Other activities will include the creation of a chapbook on curatorial ethics, an online community of practice, surveys to assess the field, and the development of a mentoring pipeline for future archives and special collections curators. The project aims to benefit aspiring curators, current curators, and the directors of archives and special collections who supervise them by fostering an inclusive, ethical approach to curatorial work.