Belonging Together: building EDI in the Library by

Multi-faith and Contemplation staff space - pilot

esthermiller2 — 2024-06-18 08:28:39 UTC

As part of the Library’s commitment to inclusivity and belonging, a Staff Multi-Faith Prayer and Contemplation Space was created and launched in March. The new space is located in Red 3.4, and can be used for prayer, contemplation, and meditation.

As part of a year-long pilot, feedback on the space is actively encouraged. This feedback will be instrumental in refining the space and potentially informing future developments.

Please add any feedback or comments below.

Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit

esthermiller2 — 2024-06-18 08:29:30 UTC

What the toolkit is for and when it should be used?
• The Inclusive Recruitment subgroup’s aim is to create a set of working documents (toolkit) that can be shared and used by all Library staff, in particular, staff responsible for recruitment and staff development.
• The inclusive recruitment toolkit will provide guidance and recommendations to help increase the inclusivity of the recruitment process at the University of Manchester Library
• The toolkit should be used alongside the University's Recruitment & Selection Policy and Procedures, and is intended to support recruiting managers, all panel members, and anyone else involved in recruitment. The aim being to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse workforce that reflects the richness of the University's community
• This toolkit should be consulted and applied throughout each stage of the recruitment lifecycle to help the Library attract, select, and retain a diverse workforce. Feedback and updates will be regularly incorporated to ensure the guidance remains current and effective.

Why is this important?
By following the guidance and recommendations in this toolkit the library aims to:
• Foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment practices.
• Level the playing field and optimise the recruitment process through proactive measures.
• Support career progression for underrepresented groups, especially at higher grades.
• Ensure consistency in recruitment practices across the Library.

Please add any thoughts or suggestions for anything we might need to think about for implementation and use of the toolkit.

Curatorial Practices EDI Learning & Action Group

esthermiller2 — 2024-06-18 08:31:26 UTC

Staff from Curatorial Practices run a monthly EDI Learning & Action Group where they have a speaker delivering a session on an EDI related topic. This is a space for members of different teams within the directorate to come together to discuss the opportunities and challenges of improving diversity and inclusion within the University of Manchester Library Special Collections.

After the speaker has shared their project or the challenge they are trying to address, we reflect on the implications for other aspects of work in the Directorate, and develop practical actions we can take to break down existing barriers for inclusion.

Have you attended a CP EDI Learning & Action Group session? What ideas or feedback do you have?

Would you like to start a EDI Learning & Action Group in your Directorate? What thoughts and ideas do you have and what support might you need?

Please comment below.

What can the Library do to help you feel like you belong?

esthermiller2 — 2024-06-18 08:33:36 UTC

What do you need to take ownership of your EDI responsibilities in your role?

esthermiller2 — 2024-06-18 08:34:13 UTC

Improving EDI in the Library isn't always easy and can involve tackling difficult and sensitive issues. However, in order to drive change we all need to take responsiblility for making these changes possible.

What do you need to help you take ownership of our shared EDI responsibilities (eg. specific training, support, more time, a place for open discussion...)?

What EDI activities would you like to take forward with support from the Library EDI Working Group?

esthermiller2 — 2024-06-18 08:35:12 UTC

Do you have ideas for EDI activities in your Directorate or Team? We are all responsible for improving EDI in the Library for both our own staff and those that visit and use our Library. The EDI WG are happy to discuss and support your ideas.

Add your ideas below.

How would you like to be involved in a more fluid EDI Working Group as our Library EDI journey continues?

esthermiller2 — 2024-06-18 08:36:13 UTC

A review of all Library Leadership Team led groups was agreed as part of the Distributed Leadership Model action plan. One of the recommendations from the EDI Working Group review is: "Membership of the EDI Working Group should be more fluid to enable discussion and sharing of best practice."

How do you think this might work and how would you like to be more involved in the EDI Working Group?