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)
• 2021-2026 W&M Libraries Diversity Plan (pdf)
• 2017-2020 W&M Libraries Diversity Plan (pdf)

Feedback Form 

We invite 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? 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 inclusive excellence 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 Department of Inclusive Excellence
  From classroom discussions and study abroad experiences to equitable and transparent recruitment, hiring and promotion processes, inclusive excellence is our focus. This work is not aligned with a single office, but the shared responsibility of all. We define diversity in its broadest terms and celebrate how this makes William & Mary a better institution. 
• 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 operates under the umbrella of the Special Collections Research Center, a unit within the University Libraries. 
• The Forum  
  The Forum is an inclusive affinity group dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of diversity within our community. Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging, promote cultural awareness, and educate all members about the diverse backgrounds that make our community flourish.

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.