Diversity Committee

News

Member Spotlight - Laura Picato
May 12, 2025
This week's ILA member spotlight shines on Laura Picato. Picato is the public services manager at the O'Fallon Public Library, and a member of the ILA Diversity Committee.  We asked Laura to answer a few professional and amusing questions. …
Member Spotlight - Jason Katsion
February 24, 2025
This week's spotlight is on Jason Katsion. Jason is the deputy director of the Barrington Area Library District. He is also a member of the ILA Diversity Committee.  We asked Jason to answer a few professional and amusing questions. Co…
Member Spotlight - Elise M. Hearn
October 30, 2023
This week's member spotlight is on Elise Hearn. Elise is the Lakeview Branch Manager at Peoria Public Library and a member of the ILA Diversity Committee. We asked Elise to tell us a little about herself and answer a few prof…

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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

United in Reading Book Club

  1. Jason Katsion Jason Katsion, Co-chair Deputy Director at Barrington Area Library

    Co-chair Term ends 06/30/2028
    Member Term ends 06/30/2027
  2. Anjelica Rufus Anjelica Rufus, Co-chair Reference Librarian at Prospect Heights Public Library District

    Co-chair Term ends 06/30/2026
    Member Term ends 06/30/2026
  3. Maria Fonseca-Gonzalez Maria Fonseca-Gonzalez, Member NoveList Librarian at NoveList

    Member Term ends 06/30/2026
  4. Jade Kastel Jade Kastel, Member Illinois State Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2028
  5. John Kirchner John Kirchner, Member Illinois Heartland Library System

    Member Term ends 06/30/2028
  6. Denise Murray Denise Murray, Member Woodridge Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2027
  7. Sandy Sanchez Sandy Sanchez, Member Wood Dale Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2028
  8. Morgan Sedano Morgan Sedano, Member Digital & Maker Services Librarian at Indian Trails Public Library District

    Member Term ends 06/30/2028
  9. Dawn Bussey Dawn Bussey, Board liaison Glen Ellyn Public Library

    Board liaison Term ends 06/30/2026
  10. Tamara Jenkins Tamara Jenkins, Staff liaison Illinois Library Association

    Staff liaison Term ends 06/30/2030
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