Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Guide

This guide represents the steps we're taking to include folks of all races, genders, sexualities, disabilities (apparent and non-apparent), neurodiversities, ages, cultures and nationalities. Much, but not all, of this work is being done by two groups within the library: the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee and the Events & Programming Committee (EPCOM).

We recognize that equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging are core to the mission of the Caltech Library.

• Equity goes beyond equality and means fair and impartial access to our collections and services for the entire Caltech community.
• Diversity means all of the various ways the members of our community are unique; it includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and national origin.
• Inclusion means embracing all members of our community as part of a greater whole.
• Belonging means full acceptance of the members of our community and celebrating them for the richness their experiences bring to our collective work.

These values are the primary guiding principle in our work, and they are both individual responsibilities and institutional imperatives.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are a key part of the Caltech Library's Strategic Plan for 2024-2027, specifically three goals:

• Goal 1: Build and support spaces, services, and access to resources that accommodate the needs and abilities of all in our community and eliminate unnecessary hurdles.
• Goal 2: Provide our staff with opportunities for leadership, professional development, and growth.
• Goal 3: Create a work culture that strives for inclusion and belonging for our staff.