I am really surprised at how fast this semester has passed. Ashley and I began working as Fellows at the beginning of October....and it is already the middle of December.
I am very proud to be one of the first Fellows at the UL, and the title seems to hold very important values and responsibilities. I am, however, a little disappointed with how disorganized the fellowship is - thus far. But, I know that because this is a NEW job, a NEW initiative within the UL, that these kinks have to be worked out...and Ash and I need patience and to do the best we can. We have to set an example and lay the foundation for this new initiative. Of course, as time goes by and new Fellows come and go, this will grow into something more set into stone.
I think because this is so new....and with the implications of the title "Diversity Fellows," that we should really be promoting the education of multi-culturalism and cross cultural interaction, especially within the library. I don't think we should be promoting "diversity." I will tell you why. Ed Gonzalez said something SO intelligent and true: Diversity is difference. Knowing you and I are different from each other. Merriam-webster.com defines diversity as: "the condition of being diverse" and "an instance of being diverse."
Does the UL really want us to promote DIFFERENCES? Or do they want us to promote how our differences contribute to a GREATER cause? How distinct cultures contribute to the country, and in a more personal perspective, our campus? How the different, diverse people in the library work as teams to run this institution? How IUPUI's ever-growing diverse campus continues to thrive - because of the different contributions of faculty, staff, student, visitor's (etc.) different cultures and qualities?
We (Fellows) need to set the goal of showing that we, and the school, welcome diversity (different cultures, ethnicities, religions, careers, goals, appearances, studies, people, environments, knowledge..). We (Fellows) need to set the goal that we will immerse ourselves in all types of cultures, in order to learn and understand, and then share that experience with our audience. Hopefully, we will be great role models so that others - regardless if you are of the IUPUI community or from another state or country - will be motivated to reach out and educate yourself of cultures outside of your comfort zone, or your own cultural environment. I hope we will motivate you to learn that the only barriers that exist are the ones you create.
I am very hopeful for the project/campaign that Ash and I would like to engage in. Our initiative to partner with To Mexico w/ Love has been approved by Dean Lewis! Now, I feel that this will be a great project that will allow us to work and show that our fellowship can entail independence, imagination and ambition. I think this fellowship can be a wonderful opportunity for students to learn and demonstrate how to responsibly be a part of the "real world," and contribute to it by leaving a positive impression (works of good). Promoting multi culturalism goes beyond reading, talking or setting displays. You must live it!
P.S. Merriam-webster defines multicultural as: of, relating to, reflecting, or adapted to diverse cultures.
♥
Trina
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
What is it Good For?
Monday I had the opportunity to attend a Indiana State Library Diversity Initiatives Task Force meeting at the Indiana State Library. It was a nice opportunity to see the different ways librarians from across the state are working to promote diversity in their own libraries and in library professions as a whole. Most of the meeting centered around a discussion about a program that the Task Force wants to build to encourage graduate students to consider entering the field.
This discussions triggered my own thoughts about the field of library sciences and my new awareness of all of the different opportunities within library science.
Before I became a Diversity Fellow at UL, I was a library assistant at an elementary school. In that position I gained a greater appreciation for the inner workings of the library. Though the elementary school library was much, much, much smaller than UL it faced many of the same problems that the Task Force addressed in their meeting. The librarian at the elementary school wore many hats. Not only did she do the traditional school librarian duties (checking in and out books, making sure that people stayed quiet) she also spent a lot of time working on grants and developing the library's collection.
As the Task Force members debated I thought about what ways the issue of diversity effects libraries from elementary schools to large public libraries to academic libraries. Through this fellowship I have had an opportunity to work with or collaborate with people who work in all different parts of UL. Recently I have spent some time working on a digital collections project, and after the holiday I will be working with archives. I tried to think of ways that diversity effects these types of library projects also. I came up with this conclusion: after all is said and done, it boils down to representation.
Librarians are the keepers of history and information. Diversity is important in library science because librarians have an obligation to do their best to represent the world around them. During the meeting several people mentioned that they did not want the Task Force to be seen as another "affirmative action program". While I believe that affirmative action, in many cases, opens doors for minorities, when we think about diversity it should not be limited to quotas. Libraries should be concerned about the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and ideas in the library profession. This exchange will enhance the quality of Indiana libraries in every way. Even elementary school libraries should reflect their patrons, inviting everyone to come and join the fun.
Until next time...make it work,
Ashley
This discussions triggered my own thoughts about the field of library sciences and my new awareness of all of the different opportunities within library science.
Before I became a Diversity Fellow at UL, I was a library assistant at an elementary school. In that position I gained a greater appreciation for the inner workings of the library. Though the elementary school library was much, much, much smaller than UL it faced many of the same problems that the Task Force addressed in their meeting. The librarian at the elementary school wore many hats. Not only did she do the traditional school librarian duties (checking in and out books, making sure that people stayed quiet) she also spent a lot of time working on grants and developing the library's collection.
As the Task Force members debated I thought about what ways the issue of diversity effects libraries from elementary schools to large public libraries to academic libraries. Through this fellowship I have had an opportunity to work with or collaborate with people who work in all different parts of UL. Recently I have spent some time working on a digital collections project, and after the holiday I will be working with archives. I tried to think of ways that diversity effects these types of library projects also. I came up with this conclusion: after all is said and done, it boils down to representation.
Librarians are the keepers of history and information. Diversity is important in library science because librarians have an obligation to do their best to represent the world around them. During the meeting several people mentioned that they did not want the Task Force to be seen as another "affirmative action program". While I believe that affirmative action, in many cases, opens doors for minorities, when we think about diversity it should not be limited to quotas. Libraries should be concerned about the diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and ideas in the library profession. This exchange will enhance the quality of Indiana libraries in every way. Even elementary school libraries should reflect their patrons, inviting everyone to come and join the fun.
Until next time...make it work,
Ashley
Monday, November 19, 2007
American Indian History Month Display
My mother used to tell me that anything worth having is worth working for. I definitely put that principle to the test for the last week while Trina and I were working to complete the display for American Indian History Month. Preparation for this display began about a month ago and when it came to crunch time things just weren't falling into place like they were supposed to. If you have ever done the type of displays we do here I think that you might appreciate what I am saying. Every little step takes time and precision and with some aspects of the display (i.e. mounting photographs on to matte board, or scanning pictures) if you mess up the first time you have to go back and do the process all over again. Finally, this morning (after much screaming and gnashing of teeth) I finished my portion of the display. Woo hoo!
One of the things that I think made this display so difficult to complete (a sentiment that I think may carry through to the rest of our displays and reaches back to the first display) is a want to make sure we are accurately portraying our display subjects. Our displays are very people centered and that adds the extra challenge of being sensitive to cultures that are not our own, and that we may not be well acquainted with. Before we finalize decisions on our displays we like to enlist the help of others who know more. This month we had help from Greg and Debra our friends in Special Collections, IUPUI staff members, and members of the NASA (Native American Student Association) at IUPUI.
With their help I think that we have made this display interesting and informative. However, after spending hours and hours researching, gluing, taping, mounting and printing, when I finished hanging the final picture and stood back to look at the work i realized something: displays can only do so much. The most fulfilling and important part of this fellowship is the fact that we have the opportunity to have others share their experiences with us. The time we spend immersed in the diversity of the human experience is more enriching than any amount of research will ever be.
Until next week...in the words of Tim Gunn "Carry on" and "Make it work!"
Ashley
One of the things that I think made this display so difficult to complete (a sentiment that I think may carry through to the rest of our displays and reaches back to the first display) is a want to make sure we are accurately portraying our display subjects. Our displays are very people centered and that adds the extra challenge of being sensitive to cultures that are not our own, and that we may not be well acquainted with. Before we finalize decisions on our displays we like to enlist the help of others who know more. This month we had help from Greg and Debra our friends in Special Collections, IUPUI staff members, and members of the NASA (Native American Student Association) at IUPUI.
With their help I think that we have made this display interesting and informative. However, after spending hours and hours researching, gluing, taping, mounting and printing, when I finished hanging the final picture and stood back to look at the work i realized something: displays can only do so much. The most fulfilling and important part of this fellowship is the fact that we have the opportunity to have others share their experiences with us. The time we spend immersed in the diversity of the human experience is more enriching than any amount of research will ever be.
Until next week...in the words of Tim Gunn "Carry on" and "Make it work!"
Ashley
Friday, November 9, 2007
Taking the Good with the Bad
This morning I came to work a little later than usual and used the UL main entrance to come in. From a distance I saw a tiny yellow post-it note sticking to one of the display cases. I figured that it was an honest mistake and went over to take it down. That is when I noticed that something was written on the post-it: "STOP GAY CELEBRATION". I looked towards the other display case and winced when I saw another little yellow note. This one read: "WHEN DOES GAY (month) CELEBRATION END?.
Reading these notes I felt both upset and empowered. I felt upset because of two things.
1.) I am just generally fed up with intolerance (maybe being intolerant of intolerance is a bit hypocritical of me).
2.) I don't know how to address this problem. I am big on letter writing and speaking up for what I believe, but how do I address a single person and his/her lack of respect for the diverse cultures and experiences of others?
I guess the feeling of empowerment I have at this moment comes from the answer I gave myself for #2: I can't.
The notes that were posted on the display case were not signed. There was no contact information given for whomever wrote the notes and unless they somehow stumble upon this blog, I will never have a chance to sit down and talk with her/him and get a better understanding of his/her position. However, I can feel empowered by knowing that the things we do here can be both educational, thought provoking and hopefully somewhat empowering to people from under/misrepresented cultures.
There are many people who do not believe, as I do, in the equal rights and protections that the Constitution is supposed to provide each United States citizen. That is their right. However, through this fellowship, Trina and I, have and opportunity and obligation to make it known that it is our stance that all people deserve representation. And, though we have limited resources, we will do our best to represent the diversity of the IUPUI community.
In the future I will remain focused on not only displaying diversity on the surface, but also, through the opportunities and endeavors we will seek through this fellowship, immerse myself (as much as I can) in diverse cultures and ideas.
Still loving this job!
Ashley
Reading these notes I felt both upset and empowered. I felt upset because of two things.
1.) I am just generally fed up with intolerance (maybe being intolerant of intolerance is a bit hypocritical of me).
2.) I don't know how to address this problem. I am big on letter writing and speaking up for what I believe, but how do I address a single person and his/her lack of respect for the diverse cultures and experiences of others?
I guess the feeling of empowerment I have at this moment comes from the answer I gave myself for #2: I can't.
The notes that were posted on the display case were not signed. There was no contact information given for whomever wrote the notes and unless they somehow stumble upon this blog, I will never have a chance to sit down and talk with her/him and get a better understanding of his/her position. However, I can feel empowered by knowing that the things we do here can be both educational, thought provoking and hopefully somewhat empowering to people from under/misrepresented cultures.
There are many people who do not believe, as I do, in the equal rights and protections that the Constitution is supposed to provide each United States citizen. That is their right. However, through this fellowship, Trina and I, have and opportunity and obligation to make it known that it is our stance that all people deserve representation. And, though we have limited resources, we will do our best to represent the diversity of the IUPUI community.
In the future I will remain focused on not only displaying diversity on the surface, but also, through the opportunities and endeavors we will seek through this fellowship, immerse myself (as much as I can) in diverse cultures and ideas.
Still loving this job!
Ashley
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Current Buzz at the Fellowship
Kim Sorrell got my brain ticking.....and I decided to list all the web resources I had found and then used to help Ashley and I create the GLBT display cases. I have listed these resources on our Diversity Fellowship group page on Facebook, under the discussion topic "GLBT Resources." This is a great way to incorporate and encourage group members or net surfers to research this topic further - and I have given them a headstart with the resources I have found.
On another note, Ashley and I have an awesome idea and want to launch it as a project during our time here as Fellows. We discovered that we both were interested in the To Mexico With Love program, and we began to wonder if we could incorporate our Fellowship goals (diversity and librarianship) with this trip to Mexico. I mean, it is a program of cultural immersion, education, experience and service learning. So, we wondered, couldn't we possibly help a library in Cuernavaca as a service learning project?? Yes indeed, I believe we can! We just have to ask the right people and do the research!
So we have begun the initial part of our "project." We contacted the Director of Campus & Community Life at IUPUI (Michelle Verduzco) and we discovered that there will be a new service learning site for the trip next summer.......and guess what it is? They want to help build a library for an elementary school in a rural indigenous community!! Isn't this exciting? Ashley and I can put our new skills to the test and definitely help! Ashley and I are very excited to meet with Michelle this Friday, to learn about this new service learning site and to discuss what we can do in preparation for this trip. I believe that once we are filled in on the planning and preparation that has already been accomplished, we can help by finishing the following steps with them. Like, if they need books Ashley and I can start a book drive or see if we can have books donated by scholarly companies, etc. Also, they will need some type of organization process or cataloging system - Ash and I can be trained on this so that we can do that when we are in Mexico. If there are other sources we need to contact to make this happen, then we can help make the connections before next summer! I definitely want to be a part of this planning process! And I am sure there is much to do before next summer...
Also, Ash has this brilliant idea: Receive training on how to write grant/funding proposals and letters. We learned that the UL External Relations team does a lot of this, along with public relations work. But instead of "stepping on their toes" we can be trained, practice, and then write proposals to see if we can receive funding for this trip (it costs around $2,000 per person). This will be another great opportunity to utilize new skills that we will learn as Fellows.
When Ash and I do go (I am saying "when" instead of "if" because I am going to stay positive about this), we want to record our experiences and activities so that when we return we can use it for our end-of-the-year display/project. (We are supposed to make a project at the end of the year to display what diversity means to us....or what we learned throughout the Fellowship). I think that the pictures, tokens, artifacts, journals, etc. that we bring back will be great resources and assets for our final project.
In the meantime, until Friday....Ash and I have been working on submitting scholarly work to Idea (an IUPUI digital archive) and gathering information for our National American Indian Heritage Month displays......
♥,
Trina
On another note, Ashley and I have an awesome idea and want to launch it as a project during our time here as Fellows. We discovered that we both were interested in the To Mexico With Love program, and we began to wonder if we could incorporate our Fellowship goals (diversity and librarianship) with this trip to Mexico. I mean, it is a program of cultural immersion, education, experience and service learning. So, we wondered, couldn't we possibly help a library in Cuernavaca as a service learning project?? Yes indeed, I believe we can! We just have to ask the right people and do the research!
So we have begun the initial part of our "project." We contacted the Director of Campus & Community Life at IUPUI (Michelle Verduzco) and we discovered that there will be a new service learning site for the trip next summer.......and guess what it is? They want to help build a library for an elementary school in a rural indigenous community!! Isn't this exciting? Ashley and I can put our new skills to the test and definitely help! Ashley and I are very excited to meet with Michelle this Friday, to learn about this new service learning site and to discuss what we can do in preparation for this trip. I believe that once we are filled in on the planning and preparation that has already been accomplished, we can help by finishing the following steps with them. Like, if they need books Ashley and I can start a book drive or see if we can have books donated by scholarly companies, etc. Also, they will need some type of organization process or cataloging system - Ash and I can be trained on this so that we can do that when we are in Mexico. If there are other sources we need to contact to make this happen, then we can help make the connections before next summer! I definitely want to be a part of this planning process! And I am sure there is much to do before next summer...
Also, Ash has this brilliant idea: Receive training on how to write grant/funding proposals and letters. We learned that the UL External Relations team does a lot of this, along with public relations work. But instead of "stepping on their toes" we can be trained, practice, and then write proposals to see if we can receive funding for this trip (it costs around $2,000 per person). This will be another great opportunity to utilize new skills that we will learn as Fellows.
When Ash and I do go (I am saying "when" instead of "if" because I am going to stay positive about this), we want to record our experiences and activities so that when we return we can use it for our end-of-the-year display/project. (We are supposed to make a project at the end of the year to display what diversity means to us....or what we learned throughout the Fellowship). I think that the pictures, tokens, artifacts, journals, etc. that we bring back will be great resources and assets for our final project.
In the meantime, until Friday....Ash and I have been working on submitting scholarly work to Idea (an IUPUI digital archive) and gathering information for our National American Indian Heritage Month displays......
♥,
Trina
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Board Meeting
This week I had the very cool and exciting opportunity to meet with the IUPUI University Library (UL) board. At first I was super, super nervous. But, when I got to the meeting I definitely relaxed. The atmosphere was friendly and inviting and most importantly the information I received was really interesting. I got an amazing opportunity to meet some of the UL board members who are all very influential in the Indianapolis community and the meeting was really inspirational.
I know, I know, that sounds really corny but I am telling the truth. IUPUI's Dean of Faculties, Dr. Sukhatme, spoke to the board about some ongoing initiatives for the IUPUI student and faculty population. He emphasized the importance of service and research for both students and faculty. He also talked about the university's desire to promote international study opportunities for the students. His talk really got me think about some of my goals in general and some of my goals as a Diversity Fellow.
For me diversity is about awareness: learning, knowing and understanding others to the best of your ability. I think that the initiatives that IUPUI has set forth are very similar to what I hope to do through this fellowship. Too often, I believe, diversity is something that people try to achieve unnaturally. What I mean by this is that often times people try to mend the wounds of the historic cultural disparities in this country by superficially addressing the problem. We approach one another's differences from the outside, as if the value of another's cultural heritage is nothing more than an accessory to our own.
I have to say that this approach to diversity is better than no approach at all, but I am happy to say that it seems like IUPUI is offering more experiential opportunities for cultural exploration. I think if we try our best to experience other cultures we will start to see that are similarities outweigh our differences. Who knows maybe then we will become more sensitive to and respectful of the humanity that binds us all...
just a thought
Ashley:)
I know, I know, that sounds really corny but I am telling the truth. IUPUI's Dean of Faculties, Dr. Sukhatme, spoke to the board about some ongoing initiatives for the IUPUI student and faculty population. He emphasized the importance of service and research for both students and faculty. He also talked about the university's desire to promote international study opportunities for the students. His talk really got me think about some of my goals in general and some of my goals as a Diversity Fellow.
For me diversity is about awareness: learning, knowing and understanding others to the best of your ability. I think that the initiatives that IUPUI has set forth are very similar to what I hope to do through this fellowship. Too often, I believe, diversity is something that people try to achieve unnaturally. What I mean by this is that often times people try to mend the wounds of the historic cultural disparities in this country by superficially addressing the problem. We approach one another's differences from the outside, as if the value of another's cultural heritage is nothing more than an accessory to our own.
I have to say that this approach to diversity is better than no approach at all, but I am happy to say that it seems like IUPUI is offering more experiential opportunities for cultural exploration. I think if we try our best to experience other cultures we will start to see that are similarities outweigh our differences. Who knows maybe then we will become more sensitive to and respectful of the humanity that binds us all...
just a thought
Ashley:)
Friday, October 19, 2007
Fellowship Succcess
Before and after I was selected as a Diversity Fellow, I felt in the dark as to what responsibilites the position would hold. After working for a few weeks, Ashley and I have dived head-first into action. We have been introduced to so many people that work here at the library.....and it was overwhelming (especially trying to remember names). I was excited when we were given the "go" to take over the display cases in the library, collaborating with one another (Ashley and I). This month we were to create a display for GLBT History Month! I feel that our unique individual creativity is excellent, and I love the way our ideas - which are different - can be pieced together to flow as one. I am so happy because today we have finished the displays. And I say this with honesty - it took longer than I thought. It took much research and some public relations. Through this process I have met professors, students and campus organizations from IUPUI that support GLBT and its many causes. I was also able to contact national organizations and other university organizations that support GLBT. I hope that through out the year, and in the future, I can go to all these people and organizations if I need any information or help. And vice-versa.
**Please take time to check out our efforts! It's at the first floor of the library by the new coffee kiosk and mini cafe area! You can't miss it.
Also, just in these few weeks Ashley and I have worked in the digitization lab in the basement of the library. Some of the procedures I am familiar with...and some I have learned while being there. I never used or played around with Photoshop before, and being in the digi lab gave me some experience. It is pretty cool because the lab scans very old articles, papers, artifacts, etc. in order to digitize it and post it on their digital database (which you can find on the university library's website). Right now I believe Blake and others are working on a project for Crispus Atticks school (I hope I have spelled this right!) They are scanning all their year books so as to make them digital!
I've also been introduced to those that work in the Special Archives and Collections department. People, you should go to the basement of the library and check out their most recent display in the lobby. It is cool....it's for the Future Farmers of America (FFA), I believe. Also, check out their displays inside the Special Collections room.....pretty neat stuff.
This week I was able to work a little with the External Relations department - and I am pretty excited about this! My major is journalism, with focus in pr, so I am excited to learn more experience with what goes on in this department! Ashley and I will be helping the team with planning of the book fair, which will be in the spring. So....stay tuned!
Oh, our cubicle neighbor rocks! =D
**Please take time to check out our efforts! It's at the first floor of the library by the new coffee kiosk and mini cafe area! You can't miss it.
Also, just in these few weeks Ashley and I have worked in the digitization lab in the basement of the library. Some of the procedures I am familiar with...and some I have learned while being there. I never used or played around with Photoshop before, and being in the digi lab gave me some experience. It is pretty cool because the lab scans very old articles, papers, artifacts, etc. in order to digitize it and post it on their digital database (which you can find on the university library's website). Right now I believe Blake and others are working on a project for Crispus Atticks school (I hope I have spelled this right!) They are scanning all their year books so as to make them digital!
I've also been introduced to those that work in the Special Archives and Collections department. People, you should go to the basement of the library and check out their most recent display in the lobby. It is cool....it's for the Future Farmers of America (FFA), I believe. Also, check out their displays inside the Special Collections room.....pretty neat stuff.
This week I was able to work a little with the External Relations department - and I am pretty excited about this! My major is journalism, with focus in pr, so I am excited to learn more experience with what goes on in this department! Ashley and I will be helping the team with planning of the book fair, which will be in the spring. So....stay tuned!
Oh, our cubicle neighbor rocks! =D
Thursday, October 18, 2007
What is the ULIB Diversity Fellowship?
When I applied for the Diversity Fellowship UL (University Library IUPUI) the first thing I wanted to know was "exactly what is the Diversity Fellowship". After working in the UL for the past three weeks, I am finally starting to understand what our (the Diversity Fellows - myself and Trina) job is.
There are basically two parts to our job, innovation and support. Innovation is a fancy way for me to describe the part of our work that has to do with coming up with diversity initiatives and projects that have to do with Trina and myself reaching out to the campus community.
Our first major project was to create a display for GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans-gender) History month. In order to create this display we not only used the library to do research, but we also reached out to several different campus organizations.
In the future, besides continuing our series of displays, Trina and I hope to be in contact with campus organizations in order to help them learn ways that the UL can help them complete their own projects. By doing this we hope to make the UL a place that is more reflective of the diversity of the student population.
The support portion of our job is just what it sounds like. When we are finished with our own projects. We are encouraged to help librarians do their work. In the short three weeks that we have been here, we have worked in several different areas of the library including the digitization lab, special collections (the team that without which our display would have never been more than a good idea) and external relations.
Helping these librarians with their projects not only helps us become more familiar with how the library works, but it allows us to offer the librarians our own unique student perspectives...
So far the fellowship has been a really cool experience...I will keep you posted throughout the year on our latest and greatest adventure.
Be well,
Ashley
There are basically two parts to our job, innovation and support. Innovation is a fancy way for me to describe the part of our work that has to do with coming up with diversity initiatives and projects that have to do with Trina and myself reaching out to the campus community.
Our first major project was to create a display for GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans-gender) History month. In order to create this display we not only used the library to do research, but we also reached out to several different campus organizations.
In the future, besides continuing our series of displays, Trina and I hope to be in contact with campus organizations in order to help them learn ways that the UL can help them complete their own projects. By doing this we hope to make the UL a place that is more reflective of the diversity of the student population.
The support portion of our job is just what it sounds like. When we are finished with our own projects. We are encouraged to help librarians do their work. In the short three weeks that we have been here, we have worked in several different areas of the library including the digitization lab, special collections (the team that without which our display would have never been more than a good idea) and external relations.
Helping these librarians with their projects not only helps us become more familiar with how the library works, but it allows us to offer the librarians our own unique student perspectives...
So far the fellowship has been a really cool experience...I will keep you posted throughout the year on our latest and greatest adventure.
Be well,
Ashley
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