Diversity and Inclusion Motion—passed!
to Modify Terminology in MLA Documents and Statements
September 3, 2019 Update: At its August 28, 2019 meeting, the MLA Board of Directors passed the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force (DITF) motion strengthening and clarifying specific language on some MLA statements, specifically the Vision, Core Values, and Mission statements. The board also approved the task force’s suggested definition of diversity and inclusion for the association. At its May 3, 2019, meeting the board passed the first part of the DITF motion on MLA language.
The board expressed its thanks and appreciation for the work of the task force, including the thorough research that the task force relied on for its recommendation.
Motion Presented By: Diversity and Inclusion Task Force
Individual Presenting the Motion: Gurpreet Rana (Board Liaison)
Date: August 28, 2019
MOVED, that MLA adopt the following language in MLA documents, such as websites, awards, scholarships and fellowship descriptions, and MLA communications:
- Latinx, hereby replacing terms such as Hispanic, Latino or Latina
- Underrepresented, hereby replacing terms such as Minority
- They/them/theirs, hereby replacing terms such as she/her/hers and he/him/his
- Mx as an additional profile prefix
and include diversity, equity, inclusion, and gendered language as needed throughout those documents;
FURTHER MOVED, that the board amend the MLA Vision statement by adding the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion (italicized below):
Our dreams and aspirations. What we strive to be. Our desired future state.
The Medical Library Association (MLA) believes that quality information is essential for improved health. MLA aspires to be the association of the most visible, valued, and trusted health information experts. MLA strives to enhance the quality of healthcare, education, and research throughout the world. To that end, MLA fosters excellence and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional practice, leadership of health sciences libraries, and information professionals, now and in the future.
FURTHER MOVED, that the Board amend the MLA Mission statement by adding “Promoting diverse and inclusive library personnel who are reflective of the society we serve” as a bullet 4 to part 1 (italicized below):
- Promoting health sciences librarianship
- Promoting exploration of new roles, knowledge, and skills
- Promoting mentorship and leadership
- Promoting inclusive policies resulting in a diverse library workforce reflective of the communities we serve
FURTHER MOVED, that the board amend the MLA Core Values statement by adding bullets 5 and 6 as follows (italicized below):
- Use of scientific evidence in making health care decisions
- Public awareness of, equitable access to, and use of high-quality health information
- Lifelong learning and professional development
- Advancement of health information research and evidence-based practice
- An open, inclusive, and collaborative environment within and outside the profession
- Advancement and support of accessibility for all stakeholder groups
- Irreproachable ethical standards
FURTHER MOVED, that the board amend the MLA Code of Ethics by adding “regardless of race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, nationality, age, (dis)ability status, or religion” to the profession section (italicized below):
- The health sciences librarian conducts all professional relationships with courtesy and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, language, culture, nationality, age, (dis)ability status, or religion.
Statement of problem or need:
The MLA Board charged the DITF with evaluating and improving MLA practices as they relate to diversity and inclusion in order to ensure that:
- what we do as an organization, and how we do it, reflects the essential values of diversity and inclusion
- MLA applies the best practices of professional associations with regard to diversity and inclusion.
Justification:
This motion corrects the current lack of explicit statements or commitment to diversity and inclusion in MLA’s Mission, MLA Code of Ethics for Health Sciences Librarianship, or MLA Core Values statements. The task force looked at the statements of sister library organizations who have stated and expressed a commitment to diversity inclusion and equity, for guidance and best practices in drafting their recommendations to the board.
Bibliography
- AAHSL. Strategic Plan 2016–2018.
https://www.aahsl.org/strategic-plan - ALA Council. (2004). About ALA: ALA’s core values, key action areas and strategic directions
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/ - ALA Council. (2017). ALA strategic direction: equity, diversity & inclusion.
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/sites/ala.org.aboutala/files/content/governance/council/council_documents/2017_mw_council_documents/cd_35_Strategic_Direction_--_Equity_Diversity_and_Inclusion_cover_0.pdf - Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals CILIP (UK). Code of Professional Practice. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.cilip.org.uk/resource/collection/B29DAF42-6319-406F-8985-52CF355B98D7/code_of_professional_practice_for_library_and_.pdf
- Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals CILIP (UK). Equal Opportunities and Diversity Statement. https://www.cilip.org.uk/page/EqualitiesandDiversityActionPlan
- Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals CILIP (UK). (2016).
- CILIP Strategic Plan 2016–2020.
https://archive.cilip.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/cilip_action_plan_final.pdf [not available] - Craig A. (2010). Focus on Diversity YALSA Diversity Taskforce.
https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1G1-226362488/focus-on-diversity-yalsa-diversity-taskforce - European Association for Health Information and Libraries (EAHIL). Code of Ethics
http://eahil.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Code-of-Ethics-for-EAHIL-Members.pdf - International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). (2016). Code of Ethics for Librarians and other Information Workers. https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/11092
- International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). (2018, December 10). Strategic Direction 3: Cultural Heritage. https://www.ifla.org/node/10079
- Scott, D.I. (2017). The New Juan Crow: Unpacking the Links Between Discrimination and Crime for Latinxs. Race and Justice https://doi.org/10.1177/2153368717721613
The subcommittee also checked the website of the Special Libraries Association (SLA) and did not see anything relevant to topic there.
Implementation:
Who will take action? MLA HQ staff (committees if applicable)
Funding sources: n/a
What is the time frame for action? To be completed by end of September 2019
Motion Presented By: Diversity and Inclusion Task Force
Individual Presenting the Motion: Gurpreet Kaur Rana (Board Liaison)
Date: August 28, 2019
MOVED, that MLA adopt the following as MLA’s definitions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential values of the Medical Library Association (MLA). To that end, MLA fosters excellence and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional practice, leadership of health sciences libraries, and information professionals, now and in the future.
How does MLA interpret diversity, equity and inclusion?
Diversity: ways that people are both alike and different; understanding, accepting, and valuing differences that include race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, language, culture, nationality, age, (dis)ability status, and religion
Equity: takes differences into account to ensure fair and impartial processes and outcomes, and equal opportunity
Inclusion: all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are intentionally valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; feel a sense of belonging; and can contribute fully to the association’s success.
Adapted from ALA ODLOS Glossary of Terms [1], University of Michigan: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Defining DEI [2], Racial Equity Tools: Glossary [3], Built in [4].
The task force examined definitions of sister library organizations and associations for guidance.
Sources
- American Library Association, Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS). ODLOS glossary of terms [Internet]. The Association [cited 21 Aug 2019]. <http://www.ala.org/aboutala/odlos-glossary-terms>.
- University of Michigan, Defining DEI: diversity, equity and inclusion [Internet]. The University [cited 21 Aug 2019]. <https://diversity.umich.edu/about/defining-dei/>.
- Racial Equity Tools: Glossary: about the racial equity tools glossary [Internet]. Racial Equity Tools[cited 21 Aug 2019]. <https://www.racialequitytools.org/glossary>.
- Built in. Diversity + inclusion [Internet]. Built in [cited 21 Aug 2019]. <https://builtin.com/diversity-inclusion>.
Statement of problem or need:
The MLA Board charged the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force with establishing a definition of diversity, equity and inclusion in the MLA context.
Justification:
This motion provides definitions so that members and the public identify the context of diversity, equity and inclusion when used by the Medical Library Association