Strategic Plan - Equity

EQUITY: Create an intentional plan to address barriers in library systems, and actively work to create equitable services and access.

Remove systemic barriers to library use

• Evaluate and address the impact of fines to ensure equity of access
• Audit policies, hiring process, procedures, and staff training for inequities affecting staff and patrons
  • Partner with CoA Human Resources, CoA Diversity and Inclusion Team and other relevant subject area experts
• Advocate for parking and transportation options that encourage and support library use by communities’ experiencing inequities
• Identify and address challenges faced by customers in checking out and returning library materials
• Expand non-circulating deposit collections at community partner sites to increase ease of access to materials without concern for fines or lost charges
• Explore ways to increase access to internet
• Explore proactive ways to increase library card access

Reduce language barriers to service

• Review points of access for language barriers and readability
• Coordinate with CoA/ACSD/ISU for translation services for signage and forms
• Provide Travis Translation devices at public service points to offer immediate assistance to non-English speaking customers

Create welcoming and inclusive spaces for community members with intellectual and physical disabilities

• Identify and address physical space challenges to find opportunities for improvement
• Identify proactive ways to provide assistance to customers with intellectual and physical disabilities at all service points
• Identify ways to provide equitable access to programming in person and virtually