The University of Texas Libraries welcomes and respects all individuals and communities by valuing and consciously maintaining awareness of diverse perspectives and experiences. We believe inclusivity is critical to fostering excellence in all of our endeavors, and we promote diversity in our collections and services, as well as in our recruiting, hiring, and retention practices.
IDEA – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
The University of Texas Libraries recognizes inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) as preeminent values. Our culture and practices are imbued with a focus on these values and align with the university’s commitment to the creation of an open and inclusive community, and to stand as an example of leadership at The University of Texas at Austin.
- Inclusion – We create an environment in which all individuals are respected, acknowledged and valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives.
- Diversity – We recognize, value and embrace the uniqueness of each individual.
- Equity – We ensure fair processes and outcomes, with a recognition that some groups have been and continue to be disadvantaged in accessing educational and employment opportunities.
- Accessibility – We provide equitable access to the Libraries' collections, resources, services and facilities.
Diversity Action Committee
The University of Texas Libraries Diversity Action Committee is an all-volunteer group of staff committed to support diversity through inclusivity education and advocacy initiatives. We work to foster a culture that welcomes and respects all individuals and communities by valuing and consciously maintaining awareness of diverse perspectives and experiences. Our focus includes issues of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, dis/ability, socioeconomic class, and national identity as it affects our staff, our workplace, our profession, and the communities we serve.
The Diversity Action Committee continually works to represent the diverse populations we serve, because inclusivity is critical to fostering excellence in all of our endeavors. Therefore, we strive to encourage diversity in our hiring, retention, and promotion practices. Furthermore, we seek to create inclusive services and partnerships among our campus and local communities, as well as represent diversity in our collections and in library and related professions.
Diversity Residency Program
The University of Texas Libraries Diversity Residency Program encourages participation in library professions and aligns with efforts of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance to increase the hiring pipeline of qualified and talented individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. By working together and thinking more broadly, ACRL Diversity Alliance institutions help to diversify and enrich the profession.
Statement on Harmful Language and Content
The University of Texas Libraries (UTL) preserves and provides access to a wide range of cultural heritage and research collections. UTL strives to provide access to collection materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, steward, and are represented in our holdings. Some content in UTL holdings may be disturbing or offensive, and may not reflect the current organizational values of UTL. We are committed to correcting past errors, overcoming current limitations, and are actively working to provide the necessary support for the collections in our care and those who engage with them. Read the full Statement on Harmful Language and Content.
Land Acknowledgement
The University of Texas Libraries honors and offers gratitude to past and present generations of Indigenous Peoples who have inhabited and cared for the land on which the University of Texas at Austin resides and where we work, study, and learn. Read the entire Land Acknowledgement.
