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In this special edition of the Minitex Conversation Collection Development series, we are collaborating with folks from the Technical Services Section (TSS) of the Minnesota Library Association. Technical Services Section incoming Chair Jean Kramer will share information about TSS. Then we will talk about diversity audits with two teams of librarians: Naomi Skulan and Peter Bremer from University of Minnesota at Morris, along with Christie Kess and Christian Koegel from Dakota County Library. They will share their knowledge and experience with metadata practices and diversity audits in library collections.

In this conversation, we will discuss helpful tools, strategies, and best practices that libraries use to analyze various aspects of diversity in their library collections. Attend to gain insights into how collection development policy and practices can be more responsive to community needs. Presenters and attendees will talk through some of the complications of diversity audits, such as: figuring out where to start, how to pivot when you encounter problems, and measuring the impact of your work. We will also explore the challenges and opportunities libraries face as they embark on their first diversity audit. 

This conversation will use guided questions, Zoom live polls, and a JamBoard to engage the audience throughout the hour. By default, we enable auto-captioning in the Zoom webinar. Please let us know what additional accommodations we can provide. Two weeks notice (March 14) will help us to better fulfill requests. This session will not be recorded, however a handout with be developed and shared with attendees after the event.

More about Minitex Conversations:

Structured similar to an open office hour, Minitex Conversations are an opportunity for you to meet with Minitex staff on an informal basis to ask questions, learn more about a particular topic, and connect with others. Whether you are a seasoned librarian or an aspiring information professional, this conversation welcomes your participation. Bring your real-life case studies, share successful strategies, and lessons learned from past experiences.

Staff contact
Elissah Becknell

Cataloging and Metadata Education Librarian