Why are you interested in the topic you are presenting?

Diversity and inclusivity aren’t new topics for libraries, but a significant and rapid shift in the demographics of my small, rural academic library has shown tremendous opportunities for growth and improvements to services. I came to libraries from a customer service background, and this continues to be a subject I’m passionate about. My hope is to share what I’ve learned, through research and experience, with others who might be facing similar situations in their libraries.

What does “fearless” mean to you? 

So many things! To me, it means standing up for what you believe in. It means being willing to question your ideas and beliefs, and being willing to be uncomfortable and make mistakes. It also means recognizing that you still have growing to do, and that’s okay.

What have you read/seen/listened to lately that you would recommend to your audience (something that would help them to learn more about your topic)?

“Information Services to Diverse Populations: Developing Culturally Competent Library Professionals”, by Nicole A. Cooke is an excellent starting point.