The ARL Partnerships Program was created to “... enhance diversity in research libraries and allied associations with the goal of actively engaging more library and library‐related organizations in advancing diversity initiatives”. In standard English this means that SPEC Kit 225 is about affirmative action programmes to increase the number of African‐American, Asian‐American, Hispanic and Native Americans in American university and research libraries.
The work is essentially a collection of case studies from the University of Michigan, University of Missouri‐Columbia, Pennsylvania State University and the Michigan Library Association. Probably the most useful document is the Cultural Diversity Policy Statement produced by the Michigan Library Association. The most detailed case study is that from the University of Michigan, with a ten‐page report and 12 appendices in 98 pages on all aspects of its diversity initiative and its implementation in the library system. Examples of these University of Michigan appendices include: report for enhancing diversity and academic excellence; the University Library moves toward diversity; distribution of staff of colour, 1985‐1997; evaluation form for diversity sessions; diversity support statement; minority recruitment work session: flyer and evaluation form; diversity activities promotional materials; library diversity committee annual goals; and diversity focus groups: unit assessment. From this we can gain some idea of the methodology and commitment to the diversity initiative as espoused by one particular university.
While this publication is very specific to the US setting, it may be of value to library organisations in other countries which desire or need to implement local affirmative action programmes.
