How can Librarians prepare themselves to deal effectively with issues of diversity in their libraries?
The first thing librarians should do is identify the diversity of the community and what the diversity issues are. The communities are different for public, academic and school libraries and rural versus urban. Diversity information can be gathered through surveys, demographic and census data, and observation. Diversity is a concept which includes such categories as ethnic, age, culture, language, disability, and literacy. It also covers variation in intellectual ability, technology capabilities, types of businesses, clinical workers, etc. Librarians need to learn about the different groups and their needs. It is important for librarians to develop tolerant and helpful attitudes to all and be accepting of others’ differences. In many places of the world libraries do not loan books, so free, open libraries that lend out items is a new concept that must be explained to immigrants. If possible, hire people who are diverse. Use the knowledge and strengths of current staff. If the staff is