Diversity at Penn: Home

Charge

Purpose: The Group on Library Diversity (GOLD) supports the University of Pennsylvania Libraries Diversity Statement, including its commitment to foster and ensure a welcoming and respectful environment for all library staff and users. GOLD provides training and informational programs, assists with the recruitment process, and serves as a resource for raising awareness about diversity.

Mission and Responsibilities: GOLD works with staff, Administrative Council, and the Libraries’ Human Resources Office to promote and support a diverse workforce within the Libraries. GOLD is charged with the following tasks and objectives:

• Recruitment

  • Create an online presence for the Libraries’ diversity initiatives, including GOLD.
  • Assess and make proposals that improve the Libraries’ recruitment process, such as: broaden the distribution of position postings; have the Libraries’ Affirmative Action Compliance Officer aid search committees in their initial review of applicants; assist with recruitment training that focuses on the benefits of a diverse staff.

• Staff Engagement

  • Plan programs that reflect the Libraries’ commitment to diversity: staff training; guest speakers; highlight the Libraries’ collections promoting diversity; community building events.
  • Encourage staff engagement in diversity initiatives.
  • Collaborate and build coalitions with the University and community groups that support and celebrate diversity.

• Assessment

  • Establish an annual review process that monitors the progress of GOLD’s efforts.
    • Review the Libraries’ recruitment, hiring, and retention practices.
    • Review the University’s EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) report on the Libraries.
    • Consult with the Libraries’ Affirmative Action Compliance Officer on applicant pools and hiring outcomes.
    • Conduct staff surveys to assess the workplace climate and diversity related topics.
    • Establish a benchmark for tasks and objectives as necessary

University of Pennsylvania Libraries Diversity Statement

 The Penn Libraries seek to support the educational and scholarly endeavors of the Penn community both locally and wherever students, faculty, and staff may be located around the world. As such, the Libraries support the mission and goals of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs and the University's Nondiscrimination Statement. Specifically, the spirit present in the statement's preamble calling on the community to tap into our diversity, to strengthen ties across all boundaries, and enrich the intellectual climate to create a more vibrant community. And finally, with particular emphasis, calling on us to foster and nourish diversity especially among students, faculty and staff as part of the central core mission of the University.

The Penn Libraries seek to create an environment that is welcoming and open to its constituency offering resources of collections and services that are available in accordance with universal accessibility standards, delivered without respect to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class, world view, political perspective, or purpose. In addition, the Penn Libraries seek to maintain a workplace that fosters respect, and that encourages an environment in which each employee learns from, and thrives on the differences of his or her colleagues at all levels of the institution.