The MU Libraries’ Diversity Action Committee invites you to participate in a luncheon on June 10 that will feature ethnic food. Here are the details in Q&A format:
• When/where will it be held? June 10, in room 4F51-A Ellis (near Shelving); lunch runs 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Who is providing the food? You, if you are willing to do so.
• What type of food should I bring? Anything that represents any part of your heritage.
• How much food should I bring? That is up to you.
• Should I let DAC know if I’m bringing food? Yes, please contact Leo at AgnewL@missouri.edu and provide the name or type of dish and the estimated number of people it will serve.
• Where will the luncheon take place? In room 4F51-A Ellis Library* (near Shelving). The room is reserved from 8:00 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. There are plenty of outlets for slow cookers and a microwave will be on hand in the room. The room will be unlocked starting at 8:00 for people to drop off food.
• Do I need to do anything after I drop off my dish? Yes. We ask that you take responsibility for setting up the dish prior to the lunch period.
• Would it be okay for me to talk about my dish as people pass through the food line? Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it for anyone so inclined.
• Is this a legitimate DAC activity? Yes. One goal is to highlight the cultural diversity embodied by library employees.
• Does attendance during lunch count as release time? No, since this is a volunteer luncheon versus a workshop or program.
• But what about the food prep time? Yes, with supervisor approval.
• Can I attend the event even if I don’t bring food to share? Yes! This is open to all library employees.

A quick note from the library’s Diversity Action Committee to say ‘thanks’ for your participating in the survey on diversity/inclusiveness. Forty-five individuals responded to the survey. Results are being analyzed and will be presented to staff at a date/time to be determined.

Thanks. Leo

Two invitations from our friends at MU’s Asian Affairs Center:

There are currently eight university students (or recent graduates) from South Korea participating in the I-Leap Program. The Asian Affairs Center is hoping the student will have the opportunity to visit an American home and have dinner during their three month stay in the United States. Would you and your family enjoy having two of these international visitors join you for supper some evening in late April? The dates are flexible at this time and we could probably accommodate your choice.

Please contact Mary Jo Herde at Herdem@missouri.edu or 882-5624, if you need more information about this opportunity to get to know two young Koreans better. Thank you very much for your kind consideration.

MU’s Asian American Association is sponsoring its first “Asian American Awareness Week.”

The Diversity Action Committee

A reminder from the MU Libraries’ Diversity Action Committee regarding the recent survey invitation re: diversity/cultural competency. Survey results will be used to help continue the discussion of how the collective knowledge, skills, and experiences of individuals influence the organization’s response to diversity-related activities.

The survey is designed to be completed in a short amount of time. Total estimated time needed to take the survey is 3 to 5 minutes. There are 11-questions; the majority have Yes/No response options; one question asks for a written response.

To access the survey, go to the DAC website and click on ‘Survey’ (http://mulibraries.missouri.edu/staff/committees/affirmativeaction/default.htm). Thanks.

Leo

Brown Bag Invitation: “Diversity Beyond the Obvious” Webinar
April 3, 11:00 – 12:30 CST
4G41 Ellis Library

The Diversity Action Committee invites you to join them on April 3 to view a free webinar entitled “Diversity Beyond the Obvious” sponsored by the College of Dupage. Mary Evangeliste, Director of User Services & Outreach at Gettysburg College and co-founder of Fearless Future: Marketing & Design for Things that Matter, brings together two distinguished scholars of diversity in libraries to present their recent research and to engage in a lively conversation with you on the topic. They will discuss how diversity in all its manifestations can make the library profession stronger and more vital.

The panel will investigate and discuss the following questions:

• How can we recruit and retain diverse librarians?
• How can we create inclusive library environments in which all types of employees and learners feel welcome and involved?
• How do we foster an environment within our profession to include representatives of all of our constituencies?
• How do our practices in libraries reflect the diverse nature of our communities?

Mary will be joined by Dr. Teresa Y. Neely, Associate Professor and Director, Access Services, University Libraries, University of New Mexico and Dr. Karen E. Downing, the Foundation and Grants Librarian at the University of Michigan.

RSVP’s are not required; feel free to bring your lunch. Release time is available with supervisor approval.

The MU Libraries’ Diversity Action Committee invites you to visit its Web site for information on programs,  members and mission statement.

I appreciate the response from library staff to the two town hall meetings sponsored by the Diversity Action Committee. The turnout was good and the Q&A interaction was lively. The speakers appreciated the opportunity to share information about their programs, to learn about things we do now to meet the needs of a diverse patron population, and to kick around ideas for further consideration.

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT- On a related note, one event mentioned at the second town hall meeting is taking place this weekend, Feb. 21 7:00 p.m., at Jesse Hall. It is INTERNATIONAL NIGHT [formerly called International Fashion Show]. Experience a fantastic night of music, performances, dance, and fashion from around the world. MU’s international community will represent their culture and tradition through arts and fashion. This event is FREE, no tickets necessary. Doors open at 6:30PM. Announcement sponsored by MSA/GPC International Programming Committee.

Leo Agnew

A reminder from the Diversity Action Committee to attend town hall meetings on Feb. 12 and Feb 18.

• February 12 features Noor Azizan-Gardner of the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative and will be held from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. in S304 Memorial Union.
• February 18 features four campus diversity-initiative leaders and will be held from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. in Jesse Wrench Auditorium, south Memorial Union, first floor.

Topic details can be found at http://mulibraries.missouri.edu/staff/committees/affirmativeaction/Programs_page.htm. RSVP’s are not required; release time available with supervisor approval.