Hampton University Hosts Second Workshop of the Forum on Minority Recruitment and Retention in the Library & Information Sciences Field

HAMPTON, Va. (October 3, 2019) – Recently, the Hampton University William R. & Norma B. Harvey Library hosted an extension workshop of the Hampton University Forum on Minority Recruitment and Retention in the Library & Information Science (LIS) Field, where librarians, leaders and experts in library science convened to learn about equity, diversity and inclusion in the LIS Field. The forum was funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through a grant received in the amount of $99,980.

Tina Rollins, University Library Director for Hampton University, and Raeshawn McGuffie, Assistant Director for Technical Services, served as PI and Co-PI for the grant issued from the Institute of Museums and Library Services – Laura Bush 21st Century Librarians Grant Program, which funded the forum. The Institute of Museum and Library Services’ mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement.

“There really is a need for more minorities in the library profession. This forum provides a great opportunity for librarians and science experts to learn from like-minded individuals about what they can do to include more minorities in the field,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.

The workshop featured keynote speaker Dr. Angela Spranger, lecturer in the Department of Management and Marketing for Christopher Newport University and the Principal/Owner of StepOne Consulting LLC. Dr. Spranger presented a dynamic workshop to help equip attendees with the tools and strategies designed to help incorporate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles and training in the workplace. Through engaging and humorous exercises and discussions, participants were able to discuss thoughts and practice which challenge EDI.

There was also a forum wrap-up webinar where forum outcomes, the forum white paper, published research and more was discussed, along with future gatherings and EDI centered goals.

“This workshop was an extension of activities from our initial grant. It was important to us to keep the momentum of last year’s forum by offering participants the opportunity to discuss challenges and barriers to increasing diversity within the LIS field,” said Rollins. “We will continue the work that was started with the forum through future research, conferences, and other opportunities to develop actionable strategies for the recruitment, inclusion and retention of people of color within our field.”