Maintaining Inclusive Library Collections in an ERA of Censorship

Maintaining inclusive collections in libraries is paramount during a time when politically charged book challenges aim to suppress the ideas of marginalized communities. Libraries are considered a "cradle" of democracy. To maintain our commitment to equitable library services, we must interrogate the role that collection development policies play in the selection and removal of library materials. This presentation will encourage librarians to revamp their DEIA efforts through intentional policy development that espouses values that are core to librarianship. The speaker will also discuss the historical role of libraries in fighting against censorship and injustice, along with an urgency to continue serving as an institution of change.