In 2017 the National Library of Ireland took active steps to become a more diverse and inclusive cultural institution. A Gender Policy and Diversity Strategy Focus Group made up of Library staff, met to discuss how to improve diversity and inclusion in the Library; covering topics such as programming, collections, acquisitions, exhibitions, digitisation and the building itself.
From this group, a Diversity and Inclusion Committee was established and with the help of an external facilitator, a Diversity and Inclusion Policy was drafted, approved and published. The policy was launched by the Minister of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with various invited guests, representing diverse groups in Irish society in attendance.
In partnership with the Creative Ireland Programme, in early February 2019, the NLI will hold a consultative workshop on the policy in the style of a World Cafe; the event will bring together representatives from various diverse communities in Ireland. The forum will focus on the policy and invite attendees to provide feedback on how the NLI can collaborate more effectively with underrepresented communities. The aim of the World Café is to provide insight on how to better represent diverse communities in Ireland and facilitate more inclusive access to the National Library of Ireland.
This presentation will discuss the outcomes of the workshop and how the NLI will take practical steps to represent diverse communities in Ireland through its collections, events and accessibility.