Announcing: BIPOC Membership Scholarships
Librarianship is an overwhelmingly white profession. This, as the ALA Member Demographics Survey from 2017 demonstrates, does not seem to be shifting despite efforts promoting diversity and inclusion within our profession. This fall, the WLA leadership retreats included a session focused on anti-racism and how we as an organization can start dismantling the systems that uphold racism. While this is not something that will happen overnight, WLA is committed to taking steps to address systemic racism within WLA and Librarianship. As the School Library Division committee chair and a white woman, I recognize that my efforts to add diverse titles to my collection and make all students feel welcome, seen, and valued, is not enough. We need diverse voices in our profession, and we need to encourage our BIPOC colleagues to be part of our professional organization. Your ScLD Leadership Committee believes strongly that it is time for change, and that we must begin taking steps toward re