Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility

UW Libraries Values Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility 

In full support and in partnership with UW's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, UW Libraries value the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). As a library, we have the duty to uphold equal access to intellectual and creative exploration. Creating an environment that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility requires action, advocacy, education, and engagement.    

We commit to serving our community and actively work to ensure that the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility influence all aspects of our work, including as it relates to our: 

  • Collections: We remain committed to promoting equity in our collections by highlighting and promoting stories and histories produced by authors who belong to historically marginalized groups. Additionally, we strive to build collections that represent a wide range of perspectives on current and historical issues. We work to ensure equity in access to information, supporting initiatives that make information more open and accessible.

  • Teaching & Instruction: We encourage, support, and promote inclusive instruction and teaching practices, including the incorporation of accessibility and universal design, equitable access to teaching and learning materials, and open-access pedagogy. 

  • Facilities & Programs: Physical and virtual library spaces and programs must be accessible, welcoming, affirming, and safe to all. We actively seek to incorporate universal design in our approach to our spaces, instruction, and programs.
       
  • People: We strive to create a culture of inclusivity in our hiring practices by fostering a welcoming environment for prospective candidates and work to recruit and retain team members from historically underrepresented and diverse backgrounds. We provide DEIA-focused professional and educational development to enhance cultural competency among libraries employees.  
Aspen trees turning yellow during fall on the University of Wyoming campus

UW Libraries affirms and supports the Associated Students of UW Land Acknowledgement 

We collectively acknowledge that the University of Wyoming occupies the ancestral and traditional lands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, and Shoshone Indigenous peoples along with other Native tribes who call the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain region home. We recognize, support, and advocate alongside Indigenous individuals and communities who live here now, and with those forcibly removed from their Homelands.

ASUW Senate Bill #2699 (PDF), April 14, 2020 


person using a C-Pen in Coe Library
Accessibility


UW Libraries is committed to making our services, facilities, and collections accessible and safe to all UW students, faculty, staff, and visiting researchers. Where spaces or resources present barriers, library employees are available to assist with reasonable requests. If you have concerns about the accessibility of library services or spaces, the help desk can direct you to the appropriate person to receive and address your concerns. 

Libraries Accessibility Information 

 UW Accessibility Resources


Employment with UW Libraries


The University of Wyoming is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. UW Libraries is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourages applications from minority candidates, candidates with disabilities, and those with experience working in a multicultural environment. 

Interested in working for UW Libraries? 

          View UW Employment Opportunities   DEI Campus Resources

ACRL diversity alliance logo

UW Libraries is a proud member of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance. The program unites academic libraries committed to increasing the hiring pipeline of qualified and talented individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Please visit the ACRL website for more information.


Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Content Found in Collections

The University of Wyoming Libraries collect a wide range of materials representing many current and historical perspectives to support the university’s teaching and research mission. Because of this, users may encounter language or images that they consider offensive or harmful. For more information, view The Controversial Materials Policy portion of the Collection Guidelines for the University of Wyoming Libraries (PDF) 



Definitions

The full array of individual differences we all have in regards to ability, age, country of origin, culture, economic class, ethnicity, gender identity, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, worldview, and other ways we may be unique but also similar to one another. Diversity includes everyone to facilitate the expansion of a welcoming and nurturing environment for discovery, inquiry, and learning that enriches UW’s academic environment.

Source: ODEI Strategic Plan (PDF)
Creating opportunities and ongoing support for historically marginalized or underrepresented populations (racial/ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, etc.) to have access to and participate in opportunities in the classroom, employment, and other university programs and activities that can close the achievement, economic, and overall success gaps among diverse groups. 

Source: ODEI Strategic Plan (PDF)
Ongoing engagement and support to address the campus climate and culture to create and maintain an environment where diverse, marginalized, and underrepresented populations feel welcome as active participants in the campus community. This engagement and support includes the curricular and co-curricular education, employment, as well as university programs, academic units, and activities in the surrounding community. 

Source: ODEI Strategic Plan (PDF)

UW Libraries Diversity Council

In response to a series of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Discussions led by the Dean of Libraries in the fall of 2020, UW Libraries established a Diversity Council in January 2021. The council is charged with making recommendations to the Dean on diversity issues within the Libraries. The council’s recommendations may include activities that support and advance diversity issues and concerns, new ways to promote diversity within UW Libraries, and suggestions for making our organization more welcoming and supportive of persons within or connected to diverse communities.

UW Libraries

Connect with us:

Dept. 3334
1000 E. University Ave.
Laramie, WY 82071
(307) 766-3190
(800) 442-6757