In sections 8.1 and 8.2 the researcher evidences her ability to lead discussions on topics of diversity and inclusion. Section 8.1 reviews her experience leading class discussion on a selected reading of interest from earlier this semester and 8.2 considers the final presentation of her Diversity & Inclusion ePortfolio created as a semester-long consideration of diversity leadership in information organizations.
8.1 Discussion Leadership Reading
At the beginning of the semester, the researcher selected one of the semester readings to prepare an executive summary and lead a class discussion. This article addressed a content area related to her insterests on the focused aspect of diversity and more for the course. While not directly related to her project regarding the library's responsibility in times of natural disaster and crisis, she recognizes that the reading is most related to her extended research interests and in fact does relate heavily when considering how people empathize and sympathize with individuals who are different or have different experiences than their own.
8.2 ePortfolio Demonstration and Insights
On April 22, the researcher presented her Diversity & Inclusion ePortfolio in class to Dr. Bharat Mehra and colleagues in CIS 650, Applying Diversity Leadership Theories & Praxis in Information Organizations. Her reflections of the semester and this project are as follows:
What did you learn with regard to your focused aspect of diversity, inclusion, and underserved populations at your information agency/organization during the semester? - This semester challenged the definitions of diversity and inclusion that I was most familiar with. I explored a broader definition that realized geographic location and lived experiences as diversity and that allowed me to explore how rural communities are impacted by natural disaster and crisis. At the beginning of this semester, I was excited to explore this project as a reflective look at my library's response to Hurricane Helene and examine ways in which we could situate our library system to serve our rural community more effectively in the future. It came as a complete shock that our county would also be impacted during the semester by two separate and nationally recognized wildfire events. This solidified my realization that not only should libraries be prepared to serve their communities during events like this, but rather they are required to do so. In this project, I reflect mainly on these events over the last eight months, but also consider the impact and response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What were the challenges and aspects meaningful to you in the course? - Exploration through this semester's project allowed me to make sense and develop a strategic diversity action plan for my library system. I was able to recognize faults and lacking in the library's "in the moment" response to these natural disasters, and this project has given me a chance to offer a reasonable solution going forward. Apart from thinking about this in a very practical sense, this semester also allowed me to reflect and heal from what I have experienced as a community member and library manager during these events. I was surprised at the personal unraveling that came as a result of this assignment. I look forward to exploring this further.
References:
Rathke, E. (2024). Banned and Challenged: The Impact on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Inside the School Library. Dissertations & Theses. 31149039.