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CHICAGO; WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Joint /ARL Building Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework Task Force seeks feedback from the library community on the initial draft framework. Library workers can submit feedback on the of the associations’ Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework. Please provide feedback on the draft Framework by 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

In September 2019, the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±app’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS); Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL); Association of Research Libraries (ARL); and Public Library Association (PLA) announced the formation of the Building Cultural Proficiencies for Racial Equity Framework Task Force. The task force was charged to create a framework for cultural proficiencies in racial equity that can be used in public and academic libraries through: scanning the environment, including review of relevant documents (such as ) to identify literature and similar statements and frameworks related to racial equity; drafting the framework; seeking comment from stakeholders and the library community on the draft; and revising as needed.

Since its formation, the task force has held status updates at the June 2021 Annual Virtual Conference and Exhibition and April 2021 ACRL Conference. Through February 2021, the task force developed a logic model, with facilitation by Katherine Skinner, executive director, Educopia Institute. In May 2021, Christina Fuller-Gregory, assistant director of libraries, South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, joined the task force to build on the logic model, as well as an environmental scan and findings from a cross-sector survey, to lead the framework development.

The initial draft framework includes an introduction, four frames, a glossary, and resources for further reading.

The initial draft framework is now available on the . All library workers are invited to provide feedback on the draft framework by 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on March 2, 2022. Two online update virtual meetings will be:

• February 16, 2022, 2:00–3:00 p.m. Central, for library workers from all library types. .
• February 23, 2022, 2:00–3:00 p.m. Central, for library workers from public libraries. .

Following the close of the comment period, the task force will review and incorporate feedback for a potential final draft. If substantial feedback is collected through the online website and virtual forums and significant revisions are needed, a second revised draft framework will be shared widely for comment. When the framework is finalized, it will go through the approval process for adoption by the four organizations, ACRL, ARL, , and PLA.

Questions?

Contact:

Nellie Barrett, PLA Program Officer, nbarrett@ala.org

DeLa Dos, ARL Senior Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, dos@arl.org

Kristin Lahurd, ODLOS Assistant Director for Literacy and Continuing Education, klahurd@ala.org

Allison Payne, ACRL Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives, apayne@ala.org

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About the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±app

The °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±app () is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit .

About the Association of College & Research Libraries

The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing nearly 9,000 individuals and libraries, ACRL (a division of the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±app) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning, transforming scholarship, and creating diverse and inclusive communities. Find ACRL on the , , , , and .

About the Association of Research Libraries

The a nonprofit organization of whose mission is to advance research, learning, and scholarly communication. The Association fosters the open exchange of ideas and expertise; advances diversity, equity, and inclusion; and pursues advocacy and public policy efforts that reflect the values of the library, scholarly, and higher education communities. ARL forges partnerships and catalyzes the collective efforts of research libraries to enable knowledge creation and to achieve enduring and barrier-free access to information. ARL is on the web at .

About the Public Library Association

The (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 10,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.