Atkins Library to host Diversity Day 2019

UNC Charlotte’s J. Murrey Atkins Library will host Diversity Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28. This event, sponsored by the library’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, will explore the relationship between diversity and inclusion, the form it takes in the workplace and what inclusion looks like from all sides.

Organizers noted the goal is to help groups and businesses achieve a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources and can contribute fully to the organization’s success.

Mark Puente, director of Diversity and Leadership Programs at the Association of Research Libraries, will deliver the Diversity Day keynote presentation, “Judging or Joining? Conscious Actions for Inclusion.”

Puente has been actively involved with diversity and leadership issues since the beginning of his library career. He was a 2003 American Library Association Spectrum scholar and continues to be engaged in the coordination of and programming for the Spectrum Scholar Leadership Institute. He also is a graduate of the Minnesota Institute for Early Career Librarians and the Harvard/ACRL Leadership Institute. A frequent clinician, speaker and facilitator, Puente has presented at regional and national conferences on topics such as diversity recruitment strategies, racial equity, networking and residency programs in academic libraries.

Diversity Day 2019 will include a panel discussion and presentations by local educators, professionals and members of diverse communities in open dialogue around diversity and inclusion issues, a poster session highlighting diversity and inclusion initiatives and entertainment by a faculty musician.

Parking will be provided for this free, public event; register prior to Friday, Feb. 15, on the Diversity Day website.