MetLib Zagreb How Inclusive is Your Library A Toolkit from Canadian Urban Libraries Jeff Barber

MetLib Zagreb What is Social Inclusion? Social inclusion is the participatory, authentic and accountable manner in which organizations uphold and reinforce the principles of access and equity for all.

And… In particular, social inclusion is the manner in which organizations: –understand and engage their communities –explore, view and challenge barriers, values and behaviours –develop, implement and evaluate systems, programs, policies and procedures –provide equitable access to services and decision-making opportunities –demonstrate the level of inclusion through tangible outcomes MetLib Zagreb

Why Does It Matter? Social inclusion facilitates positive outcomes: –Increases employment –Decreases poverty –Enables civic engagement –Reduces discrimination and racism –Promotes access to public resources and institutions An audit: –Formalizes, informs and guides the removal of barriers –Provides an analysis of the degree to which barriers have been removed MetLib Zagreb

Why CULC? Canadian Urban Libraries Council –New Strategic Plan/Reinvent the organization –Research and Knowledge Transfer agenda Canada –Immigration ~250,000 people emigrate to Canada each year 70% settle in Toronto, Montréal or Vancouver metropolitan areas –Aboriginal population 1.2 million people Growth rate more than 3 times that of non-aboriginal population 45% live in urban areas MetLib Zagreb

SIA Toolkit Result of (CULC’s first) major research project, spanning about two years Includes: –Introduction to concepts –Detailed review of each of the 12 questions/outcome statements and a measurement system – the audit –Survey and focus group results from immigrant youth –Literature review and research summary Intended to permit self-assessment MetLib Zagreb

Audit Audit requires at least two measurement points –current Status –Progress over time Audit measures 3 indicators with 12 questions: MetLib Zagreb IndicatorMeasuresQs OpennessHow well the library knows the community2 Intentionality How well the library reinforces the principles of social inclusion 7 InclusionHow well the library is the community3

SI Indicator Matrix CriteriaIndicator Social inclusion is the manner in which institutions: are open to understanding and engaging their communities Openness Intentionality explore, view, and challenge barriers, values, and behaviours Openness Intentionality develop, implement, and evaluate systems, programs, policies, and procedures Intentionality provide equitable access to services and decision making opportunities Intentionality Inclusion demonstrate the level of inclusion through tangible outcomes Inclusion MetLib Zagreb

Example: Question 6 Indicator: Intentionality Question/Outcome: –“–“A plan of action has been developed which includes: analysis of community needs and gaps in service; annual social inclusion audit results; targeted strategies for: –g–governance, –h–human resources and training/learning, plus –p–programs/services, –c–collections development, implementation, and evaluation.” MetLib Zagreb

Example: Question 6 Toolkit includes: –Suggested community assessment tools –Sample charts to assist in: Evaluating previous performance on SI audits Evaluating current strategies and proposing change –Overview of information from Toronto and Hamilton relevant to the question –Measurement system –Tips –Audit Tool Interpretation (post measurement) MetLib Zagreb

Measurement System MetLib Zagreb Low Status Low Progress Low Status High Progress High Status Low Progress High Status High Progress Moderate Status Moderate Progress 0 48 Status Progress

Tidbits from the Survey The longer immigrant youth have been in Canada: –The more they prefer youth related collections over EAL or cultural collections –The more they prefer programming relevant to their age over ethnic or newcomer themes –The more they want to see ethnic diversity reflected in the staff Length of time spent in Canada was not a significant factor in how immigrant youth used library computers, use the catalogue, appreciate diversity in art, or feel comfortable in the library. MetLib Zagreb

Latest Developments Currently preparing for use/implementation of the toolkit in: –London (ON), Halifax (NS), Barrie (ON), Oshawa (ON), Ottawa (ON), Edmonton (AB), Windsor (ON), Hamilton (ON), Vancouver (BC) Toolkit printed in English and French Online at and includes 5 short ‘how-to’ videoswww.siatoolkit.com MetLib Zagreb

Thank you!

MetLib Zagreb Questions?