Cultivating Belonging in Libraries: A Strategic Approach to Enhance Your Collection

This book demonstrates how libraries can be a trusted and safe place for all members of the community to learn about themselves and others through collections.

Cultivating Belonging in Libraries: A Strategic Approach to Enhance Your Collection addresses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in library collections. Readers learn a hands-on approach to building and maintaining a culture of inclusion through a robust and diverse collection development process. The book explores techniques that guide readers through thoughtful collection development, beginning with the library mission to provide equitable access to information and resources while cultivating a culture of inclusion.

Ford's extensive work in libraries and with public librarians provides key insights and observations, including hard topics that are often avoided around DEI initiatives such as managing collections amidst book banning and restrictive legislation, vendor accountability, and personal bias in collections.

Readers will learn how to meet their patrons where they are, build lasting and meaningful collections to reflect their diverse communities, and maintain a culture of inclusion. Libraries that have successfully curated and maintained this culture are highlighted, and sample data, resources, and tips are provided for readers. This is an easy-to-follow guide for public libraries of any size to ensure they exceed their communities' expectations.