2023-26 Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan

2023-26 Burbank Public Library Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan

Introduction

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) are at the core of the work of a public-serving agency like Burbank Public Library. Effectively and respectfully serving a broad population requires intentional efforts to consider:

  • whether our services, spaces, and staff reflect the diversity of the community we serve and are inclusive to all populations
  • how we can work continuously to build equity into our policies and practices
  • how we can ensure justice underlies all of our efforts

The 2023-26 Burbank Public Library Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan is the Library’s third such action plan and first to cover a multi-year period. By taking a longer view, we hope to indicate our commitment to this work and to acknowledge that many efforts require multiple years to have impact. This plan also aligns with the Library’s larger Strategic Plan.

This plan is based on input from the community, staff, and Board of Library Trustees, as well as knowledge gained since the Library began this work in 2020.

Objectives

Burbank Public Library’s justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives for 2023-26 are:

  • We will incorporate and highlight JEDI through programs and collections
  • We will improve spaces and services to promote an inclusive and welcoming environment
  • We will ensure Library policies promote equity
  • We will cultivate a workplace with a culture of inclusion and belonging
  • We will engage the community in the Library’s JEDI work

Goals

  • We will incorporate and highlight JEDI through programs and collections
    • Advocate for the right for all members of the community to access library materials showcasing diverse perspectives and stories
    • Explore ways to provide services to targeted communities in underserved areas of Burbank
    • Deepen staff knowledge and skills in building, maintaining, and marketing a diverse collection
    • Assess progress toward inclusive programming and identify goals, outcomes, and next steps
  • We will improve spaces and services to promote an inclusive and welcoming environment
    • Update the Library’s customer service standards to reflect inclusive service and provide staff with training
    • Perform a system-wide accessibility review and determine improvements for physical spaces
    • Review Library services with a focus on accessibility and implement improvements
    • Evaluate and invest in marketing strategies to improve access to Library services and resources to marginalized groups
  • We will ensure Library policies promote equity
    • Develop an updated Library mission, vision, and values to reflect the Library’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
    • Consider recognizing and honoring community diversity and land history through formal institutional statements
    • Review no fewer than two new or existing Library policies annually through a JEDI lens
    • Provide transparency to the public about how JEDI impacts and is reflected in Library policies
  • We will cultivate a workplace with a culture of inclusion and belonging
    • Strengthen recruitment outreach to attract candidates from underrepresented communities
    • Participate in City-wide JEDI planning and activities
    • Take actions to deepen sense of belonging for staff from historically marginalized communities
    • Develop and deliver core and supplemental JEDI trainings for staff
  • We will engage the community in the Library’s JEDI work
    • Identify opportunities to engage Burbank diverse subpopulations to inform the Library’s path in JEDI work
    • Conduct targeted, regularly occurring outreach to underrepresented communities
    • Partner with local organizations that have aligned JEDI goals
    • Gather data on the impact of this work on the community as a whole, marginalized groups, and individuals

    • PREVIOUS EFFORTS

    Since 2020, Burbank Public Library has had some successes, experienced much learning, and encountered some challenges in carrying out JEDI work. These include:

    • Increasing equity by eliminating Library fines as of July 1, 2021
    • Expanding staff knowledge and awareness through in-person, interactive, online, and self-paced learning and training opportunities
    • Offered the public collections, programs, and services to support a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community
    • Established guidance for staff in assessing diversity of Library materials and programs
    • Supported City-wide efforts to establish an Equity Core Team
    • Explored changes to recruitment language and job descriptions to improve equity
    • Developed updated customer service standards with an equity lens