Identifying diversity, equity, and inclusion enhancement opportunities through an online mixed methods library survey

• Published in: Journal of the Medical Library Association Vol. 110; no. 4; pp. 438 - 448
• Main Authors: Morgan-Daniel, Jane, Norton, Hannah F, Adkins, Lauren E, Tennant, Michele R, Edwards, Mary E, Daley, Matthew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Medical Library Association 01.10.2022; University Library System, University of Pittsburgh
• Subjects: Beliefs, opinions and attitudes; Caregivers; College campuses; Demographic aspects; Disabled Persons; Diversity; Diversity equity & inclusion; Diversity training; Employees; Equity; Evaluation; Feedback; Handicapped accessibility; Health Science Libraries; Health sciences; Humans; Inclusion; Language; Liaison work; Librarians; Library associations; Library staff; Library Surveys; Library users; Longitudinal Studies; Medical libraries; Mixed Methods; Mixed methods research; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Online Surveys; Original Investigation; Public relations; Self esteem; Social networks; Spirituality; Students; Surveys and Questionnaires; User services; United States; inclusion; mixed methods; Diversity; online surveys; health science libraries; medical libraries; equity
• DOI: 10.5195/jmla.2022.1436
• ISSN: 1536-5050

A mixed methods survey was conducted at a health sciences library to assess patrons' perceptions of the library's digital and physical environments in relation to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Developed by the library's DEI Team and preceded by a pilot assessment, the survey posed 17 Likert Scale questions and 2 free-text response questions on the topics of belonging, inclusivity, equitability, emotional and physical safety, and commitment to DEI. The survey was created in Qualtrics, pilot tested, and launched in February 2020 for approximately 12 weeks. Objective question responses were received from 101 individuals, with 24 open-ended responses. The quantitative findings showed largely positive perceptions of the DEI climate. Questions about feeling welcome and feeling physically safe were among those with the highest responses. The three lower-scoring questions indicate areas for improvement, including services for people whose native language is not English, for individuals with disabilities, and for families. The qualitative findings indicate the library's strengths include its exhibitions, welcoming atmosphere, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity initiatives. In contrast, opportunities for enhancement encompass non-English language resources, website updates, and accessibility to some physical spaces. The DEI Team is using the online survey data to enhance library services, staffing, programming, policies, and spaces. These improvements include looking into providing a space for patrons with families, expanding services for individuals whose first language is not English, assessing library accessibility for people with physical disabilities, and enhancing the physical space with quiet areas, improved lighting, and meditation spaces. Employee DEI training is ongoing, using results from a training needs survey to identify knowledge gaps. The library has a history of successful partnerships with campus entities, which will help the DEI Team to move forward with their work.