Inclusivity in diversity: EDI antiracism readiness among public libraries in Central Luzon

• Main Author: Calilung, Roilingel P.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_clis/2022/Schedule/4
• Institution: De La Salle University

Purpose. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) is an acronym that is often associated with institutional compliance obligations. It works as an initiative or an institutional attempt to create awareness and adherence to a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace (EDI and Antiracism Toolkit, 2021). The Equity, Diversity Inclusion & Antiracism Toolkit is an educational resource that will help guide libraries in reflecting on their institutional practices and policies and assist in guiding them to move forward. The study aims to determine the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) Antiracism Readiness of selected public libraries in Central Luzon based on the EDI Antiracism Readiness Survey of Marci Ramiro-Jenkins with the view of crafting a diversity management plan for public libraries. Research Questions. The study aims to answer the following questions: 1) What is the level of EDI readiness of public libraries in Central Luzon region? 2) How is the implementation of antiracism policies and practices among public libraries be described? 3) Is there a significant difference on the level of EDI readiness of public libraries in the implementation of their antiracism policies and practices? 4) What diversity management plan can possible be formulated to promote equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI)? Methodology. This study uses a quantitative research design particularly descriptive research to describe the level of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) readiness of selected public libraries. All public libraries in Central Luzon region through their head librarians (regardless a registered librarian or not) will serve as participants of the study. The EDI Antiracism Readiness Survey developed by Marci Ramiro-Jenkins will serve as the main data gathering tool. For the data gathering procedure, a formal letter will be forwarded to all public libraries in the region inviting them to participate in the study. Once the consent has been given, an online form of the survey will be forwarded to the participants. Descriptive statistics primarily frequency distribution, percentile, ranking, mean, and standard deviation will be used to present, analyze, and interpret the data gathered. The following items will be considered in the conduct of the study: informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality. The researcher will obtain the informed consent from all the study participants, emphasizing that their participation is voluntary and free of charge. Results. This research would provide a baseline data on EDI readiness among public libraries, how they implement their antiracism policies and practices, as well as their diversity management plan, if there is any. Research/Practical Implications. The Philippines is a country of diverse culture. Hence, public libraries should be ambassadors of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Public libraries are for all, regardless of color, gender, sexual orientation, and social status. The diversity management plan will attempt to further promote inclusivity in the delivery of programs and services among public libraries. The output of the study may be forwarded to the Association of Librarians in Public Sector (ALPS), Inc. for consideration for possible continuing professional development among government/public libraries. Originality or Value of the Paper. This research will fill in the gap or the lack of studies conducted on diversity management in the Philippine setting.