Western Carolina University (Hunter Library)

Western Carolina University, in partnership with Purdue University's Library and School of Information Studies, will plan for a mixed-methods multi-state library workforce study focused on the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) working as academic library paraprofessionals. Project actitivities will include solidifying and expanding existing partnerships in North Carolina, Maryland, and Indiana; identifying additional partner organizations in other states; leveraging related work at American Library Association, Association of Research Libraries, Association of College and Research Libraries, Ithaka S+R, and state chapters of national organizations; and conducting initial demographic data collections. Project results will include strengthened national and state partnerships; an established and representative advisory board; a research plan and research instruments, a dataset on BIPOC paraprofessionals working in academic library settings; and a viable plan for a future study. The project will benefit BIPOC paraprofessionals and academic libraries committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.