Keywords
DEIA, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, cultural competency, cultural humility, community engagement
Description
Professional library and archives associations recognize the value of cultural competency skills in contributing to the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). Cultural competency (CC) is the ability to function with awareness, knowledge, and interpersonal skill when engaging people of different backgrounds, assumptions, beliefs, values, and behaviors. In this session participants will be challenged to examine personal perceptions and introduced to strategies that will increase their ability to employ CC. In 2007, the American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Diversity successfully recommended that the ALA Policy on Diversity include goals for inclusive and culturally competent library and information services. In 2012, the Association of College and Research Libraries offered the basic framework for its concept of cultural competence. In 2022, the ACRL Board of Directors approved “Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity: A Framework,” which calls on libraries to have a “have a clear and realistic plan to evaluate cultural competencies within their organizations and must demonstrate openness to critically look inward and make the necessary changes.” The framework refers to the related concepts of cultural humility and cultural fluidity and asserts cultural competency is limited as a construct but acknowledges its ubiquity and its utility. Outcomes of attending this session include the ability to define cultural competency (CC) and how its integration at three levels is required to be successful. Examine critically your interaction with people of different cultures, not limited to ethnicity Identify the five stages and where you and your organization are on the continuum of CC Practice four important skills to employ CC Identify the multi-level model for implementing CC Design methods to improve relations with internal and external communities Combine cultural-mindedness with culturally centered communication skills for effective relationships with all people forming the basis for culturally competent organizations, communities and societies.
Mākau Moʻomeheu: Cultural Competencyʻs Role in our DEIA Efforts
Professional library and archives associations recognize the value of cultural competency skills in contributing to the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA). Cultural competency (CC) is the ability to function with awareness, knowledge, and interpersonal skill when engaging people of different backgrounds, assumptions, beliefs, values, and behaviors. In this session participants will be challenged to examine personal perceptions and introduced to strategies that will increase their ability to employ CC. In 2007, the American Library Association (ALA) Committee on Diversity successfully recommended that the ALA Policy on Diversity include goals for inclusive and culturally competent library and information services. In 2012, the Association of College and Research Libraries offered the basic framework for its concept of cultural competence. In 2022, the ACRL Board of Directors approved “Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity: A Framework,” which calls on libraries to have a “have a clear and realistic plan to evaluate cultural competencies within their organizations and must demonstrate openness to critically look inward and make the necessary changes.” The framework refers to the related concepts of cultural humility and cultural fluidity and asserts cultural competency is limited as a construct but acknowledges its ubiquity and its utility. Outcomes of attending this session include the ability to define cultural competency (CC) and how its integration at three levels is required to be successful. Examine critically your interaction with people of different cultures, not limited to ethnicity Identify the five stages and where you and your organization are on the continuum of CC Practice four important skills to employ CC Identify the multi-level model for implementing CC Design methods to improve relations with internal and external communities Combine cultural-mindedness with culturally centered communication skills for effective relationships with all people forming the basis for culturally competent organizations, communities and societies.