Diversity & Inclusion

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At William & Mary Libraries, we are committed to fostering an environment where diversity and inclusion are viewed as fundamental to our mission and integral to our service model on campus and in the broader community. We believe an environment that is open and welcoming to all patrons is crucial to fulfilling the research, teaching and service mission of the University. We strive to create a climate of belonging, which we believe promotes self-agency, participation, collaboration and innovation.

Diversity Plans & Updates:

• Diversity & Inclusion at W&M Libraries: An Accountability and Action Statement (pdf)
• 2021-2024 W&M Libraries Diversity Plan (pdf)
• 2017-2020 W&M Libraries Diversity Plan (pdf)

Diversity & Inclusion Feedback Form 

The Diversity & Inclusion Committee invites you to submit feedback that will support the active process of achieving an environment where students, faculty, staff, community members, and guests feel heard, seen, and validated.

Submit Feedback

Learn 

Looking to learn more about diversity and inclusion work within the library? Check out these resources and exhibits! 

• Antiracist bookshelf 
  Books owned by William & Mary Libraries addressing systemic racism and ways to combat it. Also contains a glossary of definitions associated with antiracism.  
• Pride Month Virtual Book Display 
  In order to recognize the important contributions LGBTQIA+ people have had on the world, W&M Libraries has put together this virtual book display, all of which are available to the W&M community.

Connect 

Looking to get involved, or want to hear more about diversity and inclusion work across campus? Check out these offices, projects, and groups at W&M. This list is not exhaustive, and if we’ve missed something, please let us know!  

• W&M Office of Diversity & Inclusion
  The Office of Diversity & Inclusion spearheads the university's diversity efforts. As a part of that mission, it helps to prevent discrimination and harassment. "We are committed to creating a university community that is representative and inclusive of individuals with different backgrounds, talents and skills. We work to ensure that William & Mary is a community where all faculty, staff and students feel supported and affirmed."
• Lemon Project 
  The Lemon Project is a multifaceted and dynamic attempt to rectify wrongs perpetrated against African Americans by William & Mary through action or inaction. An ongoing endeavor, this program will focus on contributing to and encouraging scholarship on the 300-year relationship between African Americans and W&M, and building bridges between the university and Williamsburg and Greater Tidewater area. The Lemon Project is a member of the Universities Studying Slavery Consortium. The Lemon Project is generously funded by the Office of the Provost at William & Mary.
• Black Faculty and Staff Forum  
  The purpose of the Forum is to: 
  • expand and strengthen the relationship and involvement of Black faculty and staff of the College within the greater College community; 
  • address issues of concern to the Black community, including campus climate; 
  • provide support for recruitment and retention of Black students; 
  • foster a greater sense of community and mutual support among the Black faculty and staff of the College through mentoring and networking.

Get Support 

University Ombuds 
The William & Mary Ombuds Office serves as an informal resource for all categories of employees and faculty seeking assistance with workplace concerns. Individuals can talk to the ombuds in confidence about any work-related concern, no matter how big or small. Leaders may also consult with the ombuds in confidence on managing workplace conflict.

EDI & Librarianship

Here’s what’s going on with EDI work in the library world, outside of W&M Libraries:

VIVA Anti-Racist Community Framework 
The purpose of the VIVA Anti-Racist Community Framework is to inspire anti-racist actions and community in Virginia libraries. With the goal of framing safe spaces built on inclusivity, equity, empathy, and active listening, this resource is not exhaustive; rather it is intended to be a living document, subject to update, change, and challenge. It is hoped that it will be an evolving resource developed and refined by the VIVA community.  This “living framework" can be used at your institution to facilitate conversation and action.