Diversity Issue: Recruitment of Librarians

Depending on the definition, diversity is a word that can have multiple meanings. There is truly no one answer to a word that covers a lot of territory and that is loaded with much potential. The secret behind finding “a” source of diversity is to break it down into sections. Though you might be able to address two or three aspects of diversity, there is still more layers behind it to be peeled away. Touching on several aspects at a time can only give an overview of how you wish to pursue solutions. With regards to finding solutions, you have to first become active in the task and take on responsibility of yourself to “want to do something about it for the better good.” Moran, Stueart and Morner (2013) defined diversity as “a broad term encompassing not only race, ethnicity, and gender, but also such characteristics as age and physical ability” (p. 190). Thurston (2012) reported “despite the attention paid to this issue over the past forty years, here has been little noticeable change in levels of diversity among members of the profession” (p. 360).

Gabriel (2010) gave a simple definition of diversity by stating “diversity implies the ability to incorporate variety within a group” (p. 149). The group that is discussed in this paper deals with recruitment on a diverse level in reference to gender, age and the minority. Wheeler (2008) added into defining diversity as well by stating “one must produce his or her own definition of diversity by examining one’s background and personal issues and how they comport with one’s perceptions of and attitudes toward people of color” (p. 21). This goes to show as a librarian or future librarian, you have to self-evaluate your personal issues and work on being able to build a working relationsh...

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