IUPUI University Library Recognized for Library Excellence in Access and Diversity
by National Publication, Insight Into Diversity
National Recognition of Academic Libraries That Are Making a Difference for
All Underrepresented Groups
(Indianapolis – 1/17/24)—IUPUI University Library has been recognized with the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The LEAD Award honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) across their campus. These include, but are not limited to research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions, and community outreach. IUPUI University Library will be featured, along with 55 other recipients, in the March 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.
“In the 22 years I’ve been with IUPUI University Library, I’ve always been struck by and appreciative of this organization’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The projects and systemic change we’ve taken on in more recent years, through the dedication of many library personnel, is indicative of not only our core values but the acknowledgement that we can always do better. I’m proud this work is being highlighted through the inaugural LEAD Diversity in Academic Libraries Award and most importantly all the more driven to accomplish the DEIJA work yet before us.”-Kristi Palmer, IUPUI University Library Herbert Simon Family Dean
University Library was selected for the LEAD award based on their efforts to review and reimagine their programs, services and administrative processes with an equity lens. Examples include innovative assessment efforts, such as the award-winning I Heart UL program through which students share their likes and dislikes about the library via post-it notes, inclusive recruitment and hiring practices such as anonymizing applications in the first round of review and surveying candidates about their experience, open knowledge initiatives designed to make scholarly information freely accessible, and a statewide symposia series designed to promote equal access to information and literacy in all its forms.
“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and access” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.”
A call for nominations for this award was announced in October 2023.
For more information about the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.
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About Insight Into Diversity
Insight Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today. Insight is the leader in recognizing inclusive excellence in higher education through its many prestigious awards. They are also known for being the leader in advancing best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion through their website and print magazine.
On Insight’s online Career Center readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of Insight Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com.