Diversifying Our Library Collection #OWNvoice

By: Kimberly Ramsey, Middle School/High School Librarian; Writing Center Specialist; Media Relations Manager

In early 2019, I found a wonderful online course offered by School Library Journal, a national publication for libraries and librarians entitled, Evaluating, Auditing, and Diversifying Your Collection. It seemed a perfect fit with the initiative already begun two years earlier to update the library’s offerings in the areas of books, ebooks, and audiobooks.  

The course consisted of training in the many elements of diversity, including racial diversity, cultural diversity, and differences in physical abilities. One specific class explored OWN Voices, which concentrates on presenting novels and other works written by diverse authors about authentic lives in their communities. More simply put, this looks at ways to provide books that speak directly to our students by covering topics and feelings they experience in their day-to-day lives.  

After attending the 15-hour course, I conducted an audit of the entire library’s fiction collection, which took several months. Each novel was evaluated and classified by who wrote the work, what group is represented, and if it qualifies as an “OWN Voice” work.  The work was eye-opening to say the least.

Through this process, I realized our previous librarians had created a great foundation by bringing in available books that represented different groups and backgrounds. However, I also recognize that with all of the new published offerings rooted in diversity, I have a lot of work to do! This course helped me find more books that represent all of the many students at Saint James, and I am so proud of the direction we are headed.

#WeAreSaintJamesSchool