Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

3/6/2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern

Register for this Event

Print Program Information

View others who have registered for this event

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

In 2020, the staff of Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library established their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through the creation of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility). This initiative aimed to foster an environment where both staff and the community feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to learn. The library sought to become an inclusive space for everyone, not just a workplace. Through marketing campaigns, programming, partnerships, staff training, and a complete overhaul of library services, they transformed the way they engaged with and served the surrounding communities. Since its inception, the IDEA initiative has continued to thrive, creating a lasting impact. It has fostered a more inclusive and welcoming environment, successfully engaging a broader range of individuals and ensuring that all feel represented and valued. Ongoing partnerships with local organizations and the constant evolution of library services have strengthened the library's connection with the community, making it a key resource for learning, support, and engagement. The IDEA initiative remains a cornerstone of the library's mission, continuing to create a more accessible and inclusive space for everyone.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principles of the IDEA initiative: Learners will be able to explain the core components of the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) initiative and how it aligns with the library's commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment for both staff and the community.
•  Evaluate the impact of inclusive practices on library services: Learners will assess how the library's marketing campaigns, programming, staff training, and service overhauls have contributed to creating a more diverse and engaged community, ensuring all individuals feel represented and valued.
• Identify strategies for strengthening community partnerships and engagement: Learners will be able to identify key strategies, such as partnerships with local organizations and continuous service evolution, that have helped the library deepen its connection with the surrounding community and enhance its role as a key resource for learning and support.

Presenter:

Gale Koritansky started her new position as the Director of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, on September 1, 2020. She has over 20 years of library experience. Gale’s previous position was at Arlington Public Library in Virginia where she was Head of Branch Services. Gale holds a B.A. in Art History from Kent State University and a MLIS in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of the library she spends her free time gardening and with her two boys. 



 

Online via Zoom
UNITED STATES

Melissa Lattanzi

Who Should Attend:  Anyone interested in learning about  Develop  a Staff-Led Diversity Campaign: Leading Community Change Through the Library
Competency:  Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Community Engagement, and Teamwork

Non-Member Cost:      $40
NEO-RLS Bronze Member Cost:  $24
NEO-RLS Silver Member Cost:   FREE
NEO-RLS Gold Member Cost:    FREE
NEO-RLS Individual Member Cost:  $20

Can't attend on the date or time listed? Sign up anyway! All of our webinars include archive access for later viewing at your convenience.

It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.

Click on the icon next to the date(s) to add to your calendar:

3/6/2025

click here to send this event info to a friend