OBJECTIVE
Promote continuous learning and intellectual curiosity by enhancing the library's role as a community hub for books, education, culture, and personal growth, fully integrating equity principles into all learning and access efforts.
Year 1 (2025) Goals and Performance Indicators:
Collection Diversity Audit:
Conduct a comprehensive audit of the library's collection to identify gaps in representation and diversity, ensuring materials reflect the needs and interests of Evanston's diverse community.
- Indicator: Complete audit by Q4 2025, with a written plan for resource allocation that addresses identified gaps and expands diverse materials, including books, digital resources, films, and other media.
Inclusive Programming Enhancement:
Create and evaluate diverse, culturally responsive programs each quarter that reflect the experiences of historically marginalized groups, using data to refine offerings and ensure sustained engagement.
- Indicator: Introduce eight new programs by Q4 2025, establishing a quarterly review process to assess participation, impact, and inclusivity.
DEIB Professional Training:
Implement professional training for library staff focused on mutual respect, curating and promoting diverse collections, conducting inclusive programs, and serving patrons from diverse backgrounds.
- Indicator: Complete staff training sessions by Q4 2025, with follow-up surveys showing increased staff confidence in equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed principles.
Year 2 (2026) Goals and Performance Indicators:
Develop a Community Learning Needs Assessment:
Conduct a needs assessment to better understand the evolving learning interests and needs of the community, including feedback from underrepresented groups. Use the findings to shape future programming and collections.
- Indicator: Complete the learning needs assessment by Q2 2026, with recommendations integrated into program planning by Q4 2026 to ensure alignment with community needs.
Year 3 (2027) Goals and Performance Indicators:
Evaluate and Adjust DEIB Efforts:
Evaluate DEIB-focused initiatives and adjust future programming and collection efforts to align with ongoing community needs.
- Indicator: Complete evaluation by Q2 2027, with recommendations integrated into future strategic planning.
