Published: October 7, 2024, by Dr. José Aguiñaga

In a groundbreaking initiative, Dr. José Aguiñaga and Dr. Rebecca Stallworth introduced the iLead program with their PLQ conceptual article, “iLead with an EDI Lens.” Funded by an IMLS planning grant in 2023-24, the program seeks to develop an asynchronous online curriculum where library employees can earn micro-credentials in leadership with an EDI lens. ​This program is a collaborative effort between San José State University and Simmons University to prepare tomorrow’s library leaders with a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). ​The program’s grant directors are Dr. Anthony Chow and Dr. Sanda Erdelez.

Key highlights of the iLead program include:

1. Leadership Development: Focused on cultivating leadership skills among library staff, the program aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. ​
2. Accessible Learning: The online, asynchronous format allows participants to engage in professional development at their own pace, making it flexible and accessible. ​
3. Collaborative Effort: The curriculum is being designed with extensive input from national, state, and local library partners, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of the library community. This collaborative approach makes you an integral part of the iLead program, ensuring your unique perspectives are considered.
4. Addressing Systemic Issues: The program is dedicated to tackling systemic racism and bigotry within libraries, aiming to create a more equitable workplace for BIPOC library workers. This commitment to addressing systemic issues ensures that your concerns are not only heard but also acted upon.
5. Critical Race Theory (CRT): By incorporating CRT, the program critically examines and seeks to dismantle existing power structures that perpetuate exclusion in libraries. ​
6. Future Goals: The planning grant sets the stage for a future implementation grant, with the ultimate goal of strengthening EDI in the library and information science (LIS) workforce and better preparing future library leaders. These future goals inspire hope and optimism for the positive changes the iLead program will bring.

The iLead program represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the library profession. It ensures that future leaders are well-equipped to foster inclusive and equitable library environments. For more information, visit iLead EDI. ​

Dr. Aguiñaga will draft future iLead research articles this year based on the data obtained from the implementation phase of the program. Additionally, with the recent release from the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) 2023 Annual Survey findings and its future C&RL News EDI survey findings article, Aguiñaga will incorporate these contributions into the Reference & Information Services (INFO 210) and Issues in Academic Libraries (INFO 230) courses and enriching his SJSU iSchool research agenda.

References:

Aguiñaga, J., & Stallworth, R. (2024). iLead with an EDI Lens. Public Library Quarterly, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2024.2383447

The state of U.S. academic libraries: Findings from the ACRL 2023 annual survey. ALA. (2024, October 1). American Library Association. https://www.ala.org/news/2024/10/state-us-academic-libraries-findings-acrl-2023-annual-survey