Special Episode: “Diversify is Fly” NYLA Developing Leaders Program on the Diversification of the Library

The Library Pros

In this very special episode, Chris and Bob are joined by a group of librarians from all around New York State. Emily Dowie, Teen Librarian at the Greenburgh Public Library in Elmsford NY; Jo Ann Mulligan, Library Assistant at the Altamont Free Library in Altamont, New York; Danielle Newman, Pre-k to 12th Grade Public School Librarian at the Fillmore Central School District in Allegany County, New York; Juanita James, Library and Information Supervisor at the Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn, New York; and Kaysha Watson-Phillips, Assistant Director at the Baldwin Public Library in Baldwin, New York.

The group is going to discuss the New York Library Association’s Developing Leaders Program and their project which was to discuss how to diversify library collections, staff and programs to include under represented people. The discussion sheds light on the importance of having a diversified collection for education and inclusion. All people should have a seat at the table in “Libraryland” and our collections should reflect diversity with people of color, the LGBTQ+ community and other under-represented groups. The Diversify is Fly crew has also discussed how they developed a “diversity toolkit” which can be used by libraries as a primer on diversifying their physical and digital collections.

Kaysha Watson-Phillips – Baldwin Public Library

Juanita James – Brooklyn Public Library

Jo Ann Mulligan – Altamont Free Library

Emily Dowie – Greenburgh Public Library

Danielle Newman – Fillmore Central School District