Curating Community Collections

In the current moment when history is being suppressed and diverse reading is being curtailed, this important volume gives librarians many tools to defend their patrons' rights to see themselves reflected in their local libraries' collections and services. This unique book offers a comprehensive approach that gives context and meaning to the goal of creating a truly diverse library collection. * Heidi Rabinowitz, Past President, Association of Jewish Libraries * Librarians Mary Schreiber and Wendy K. Bartlett have created a comprehensive guide to addressing the challenging task of strategically collating a collection that ensures wide representation and promotes inclusiveness for library patrons. Information professionals in all stages of their career will find this book chock-full of descriptive strategies, and each chapter provides opportunities to explore concepts with further readings and resources. The “Perspectives from the Field” component provides an in-depth narrative of applying best practices in action from across the nation; each is a mini case study of how professionals implement strategies and align collections to their communities. This book is a must-read and a call to action for information professionals to curate a collection that reflects a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and creates a harmonious space where all readers are welcomed to engage. * Meghan Harper, Director and Professor, School of Information, Kent State University, USA * Schreiber and Bartlett provide a passionate, compelling history and toolkit for helping to ensure inclusive collection development. Their work inspires and equips librarians to develop collections in which the community’s lived experiences and voices are included, respected, and valued. * Clayton Copeland, Faculty and Director, Laboratory for Leadership in Equity & Diversity, School of Information Science, University of South Carolina, USA *