IDEA Statement

Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Statement

The Rock Island Public Library is committed to creating a welcoming environment for everyone. We celebrate the wide diversity of identity, experience, and thought within our community, and work to promote dialogue and understanding as reflected specifically in our library policies. 

We aspire to connect people of all identities,  abilities, and experiences to our library services, resources, and each other. We recognize that inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are part of our ongoing journey. We strive to listen, learn, and build a better library community.

From the Director

Dear Reader,

While developing our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, it became evident that there was a great need to evaluate the library through a diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility lens. Our patron and staff surveys showed significant gaps in library coverage, and Census information echoed these gaps. Consequently, the plan's theme became "TREE" - for Transfomative, Relevant, Equitable, and Engaged. Benchmarks for inclusion, diversity, equity,  and accessibility (IDEA) were added to each focus area of our "TREE," with the goal of improving our scope and reach into our community. 

One related objective was to create a staff IDEA Committee, tasked with creating our organizational IDEA statement, reviewing/editing library policies for inclusiveness, and aiding with collection and building audits, for inclusion and accessibility, respectively. 

In no way do we believe that these steps are enough. Instead, they are the start of an ongoing process and culture of awareness. No single committee or person can be responsible for creatiing and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment. This responsibilty belongs to all of us as members of the library and community. 

What I can guarantee is that we will approach our work, and each other, with the best of intentions, honesty, and empathy; and trust that others are doing the same. What I can also guarantee is  that we won't get everything right. But one thing we are getting right is involving staff from all levels, listening to our public, and acting in a manner that is consistent with our IDEAs. 

Sincerely, Angela Campbell, Library Director

Acknowledgements

Major inspiration for our statement is drawn from: 

Naperville Public Library

University of Illinois Library 

Tree graphic
IDEA Definitions

Inclusion Is:

Fostering an environment where diverse groups feel valued, welcomed, and respected. Our responsibility is to ensure that resources and services, both online and in person, are welcoming and supportive to all. An inclusive library welcomes everyone.

Diversity Is:

Recognizing, celebrating, and appreciating the various internal and external characteristics and attributes of people within our community. A diverse library grows and is strengthened by encouraging the attributes of each individual. 

Accessibility Is:

Working to be a library in which our physical and virtual resources are available to all, as well as removing barriers to the use of these resources and services. An accessible library is one in which anyone can access what they need, when they need it. 

Equity Is:

Ensuring racial justice and equal opportunity for all, recognizing that some groups have been historically marginalized. We recognize that different peoples' needs may vary significantly. An equitable library strives to increase opportunities and eliminate barriers for marginalized groups.