Reaffirming Library Values 

Amid growing national debates and shifting social climates, libraries have increasingly become focal points of controversy. Backlashes against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and broader anti-intellectual movements have raised concerns about library collections and public engagement. Acts of hatred and bigotry have further threatened the safety and inclusivity of these vital community spaces. As we navigate similar challenges on our campus, we want to share the steps we’ve taken to address these issues and reaffirm our commitment to supporting our community.

Collections

Our primary goal in collection development is to support the SMC curriculum. As the curriculum has become more diverse, so too has our collection. Subject librarians closely monitor course offerings and emerging areas of study, collaborating with faculty to identify resources that support student learning and faculty research. This ongoing engagement has guided a thoughtful and intentional diversification of our collection, from the physical books on our shelves to the electronic resources comprising most of our collection. Rooted in our Lasallian values, we are committed to curating a collection that reflects a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives.  

In response to growing requests from our community for greater visibility of underrepresented and marginalized voices, we have developed dedicated social justice collections. These curated selections include existing materials and newly acquired works, and are intentionally placed in prominent locations outside the traditional stacks to encourage discovery, visibility, and engagement.

Currently, two collections are:

• Queer and Trans Literature Collection. Initially funded by the campus Que(e)ries, this collection highlights books by and about LGBTQIA+ folks.
• Brother Camillus Chavez Collection. Started to honor the legacy of a campus fixture, this collection includes Spanish-language books and materials that center Latinx authors and topics, from popular novels and children’s books to non-fiction. 

We are pleased to announce that our newest collection will focus on the Black experience. While the collection will include a variety of materials, a key component is our subscription to Proquest’s Black Studies database. This rich resource offers access to historical archives of the Black press, as well as government documents, videos, scholarly journals, and more, providing researchers with perspectives and voices often underrepresented in mainstream media.

Outreach and Instruction

Collections of information only have impact when they are seen and used, which is why we have made a deliberate effort to expand our focus on instruction and outreach.

When you visit the library, you will notice our regularly rotating book displays. Many of these are curated to highlight authors, experiences, and topics related to race and other intersecting identities represented within our campus community. We’ve also brought displays out of the library, including rotating displays in the Intercultural Center and tabling at events. Over the past year, displays have marked cultural heritage months, National Coming Out Week, Trans Visibility Week, Disability awareness, and more, including features on staff picks and current events.

Our outreach goes beyond book displays. We actively collaborate with campus departments and classes to showcase student and faculty work throughout the library. Currently on display is a student-designed poster series on the history of SMC student activism and the Ethnic Studies department, created by students in Professor Michael Viola’s ES 201 course. Near the entrance to the Library, you’ll also find a biographical exhibit on George Vaughns, the first Black student at SMC—a collaborative effort between the College Archives and Professor Deane Lamont. And exhibits curated by one of our student staff have challenged myths about poverty and immigration.

In recent years, we've also expanded our programming to unite the community through events. These include our ongoing Pause for Poetry series, weekly drop-in Crafternoons, Quiet Book Club meetings, and monthly Learn with the Library workshops on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to research poster creation. 

Inter-departmental collaborations have been key in many of our events and services, such as the Museum of Art hosting Quiet Book Club, the STEM Center partnering with Crafternoons, and SDS helping support the creation of a sensory room in the library to support neurodiverse students.

Professional Development

At its core, a library’s mission is to inspire exploration and lifelong learning; we take this responsibility seriously. Our staff are actively encouraged and supported in attending GUIDE workshops and campus events, and we regularly engage in professional development through our library associations and diversity-focused organizations.

The initiatives outlined above represent just a portion of the work happening at the library. We share this to inform our campus community that we see and hear the ongoing concerns and challenges, and to reaffirm our commitment to being part of the solution. As cultural and social institutions, libraries have long faced moments of change and resistance. Through it all, they have adapted and stood firm in their values. The SMC Library is no exception. We remain dedicated to providing a welcoming space, upholding the freedom of information, protecting the right to privacy, and fostering a sense of belonging for all.

We look forward to deepening and expanding our partnerships across campus in the coming academic year and beyond.

--Saint Mary’s College Library Staff

note: This is an updated version from an email sent to the faculty and staff email list.