Diversity Committee

Committee Charge

The Committee's primary objectives are:

  • Initiate and promote training and library services that address issues in diversity.
  • Identify and promote best practices and resources for diversity and inclusion in the library profession and services.
  • Identify and promote strategies to recruit and retain diverse workers in Illinois libraries.
  • Provide mentoring and support for ALA’s Spectrum scholars and other diverse individuals in Illinois in obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession.
  • Develop, monitor, evaluate, and recommend diversity efforts in the association and initiate strategies, in conjunction with the Nominating Committee, to increase diversity in ILA’s membership and leadership.

The ILA Diversity Committee has adopted the following broad definitions of diversity and inclusion:

Diversity is the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital and/or familial status, mental and/or physical impairment and/or disability, military status, economic status, political affiliation, and other human distinguishing characteristics.

Inclusion is involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.

Committee Composition

Composed of up to ten members, serving three-year, staggered terms.

Committee Reports

  1. Lindsay Holbrook Lindsay Holbrook, Co-chair Librarian at Chicago Public Library

    Co-chair Term ends 06/30/2023
  2. Jazmin Wilson Jazmin Wilson, Co-chair Children's/Teen Librarian at Lemont Public Library District

    Co-chair Term ends 06/30/2023
    Member Term ends 06/30/2024
  3. Bradley Bibbs Bradley Bibbs, Member Information and Research Librarian at Skokie Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2025
  4. Elise Hearn Elise Hearn, Member Branch Manager at Peoria Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2024
  5. Elizabeth Hultman Elizabeth Hultman, Member Elgin Community College

    Member Term ends 06/30/2025
  6. Jason Katsion Jason Katsion, Member Public Services Manager at Fox River Valley Public Library District

    Member Term ends 06/30/2023
  7. Magan Szwarek Magan Szwarek, Member Reference Services Director at Schaumburg Township District Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2024
  8. Simone Williams Simone Williams, Member Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

    Member Term ends 06/30/2025
  9. Rosie Williams-Baig Rosie Williams-Baig, Member Director at Nancy L. McConathy Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2023
  10. Megan Young Megan Young, Member Arlington Heights Memorial Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2023
  11. Sophie Kenney Sophie Kenney, Board liaison Assistant Director, Youth Department at Glen Ellyn Public Library

    Board liaison Term ends 06/30/2023
  12. Tamara Jenkins Tamara Jenkins, Staff liaison Illinois Library Association

    Staff liaison Term ends 06/30/2025
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