Abstract
When libraries explore how their youth collections can be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI), it is beneficial to first identify where representation gaps exist amongst their holdings. Digital DEI audit tools can quickly target areas for improvement. The following studies use digital instruments to analyze the DEI representation in two youth library collections in Carlsbad, California. The fiction picture book collections were probed at both a Carlsbad elementary school in Encinitas Union School District (EUSD) and the Georgina Cole public library (Cole). Three digital instruments were used: Diverse BookFinder Collection Analysis Tool, TeachingBooks Collection Analysis Toolkit, and collectionHQ Diversity Analysis Tool. The results were compared to local demographics. The purpose of the audits was to answer: To what degree do these collections represent diverse populations? The author found that diverse populations are underrepresented in each collection and some groups have no representation at all. Most books with diverse representation lack variety and often do not connect the story to the identity or cultural experience of the diverse characters featured.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, S. (2024). Diversity, equity, and inclusion analysis tools for timely audits: Two case studies of Carlsbad libraries. School of Information Student Research Journal, 13(2). Retrieved from https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/ischoolsrj/vol13/iss2/2
Recommended Citation
Wilson, S. (2024). Diversity, equity, and inclusion analysis tools for timely audits: Two case studies of Carlsbad libraries. School of Information Student Research Journal, 13(2). Retrieved from https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/ischoolsrj/vol13/iss2/2
