The CSUSM library has won an inaugural national award for its access and diversity efforts. Pictured are attendees at an artist reception for a library exhibit in 2022 featuring the work of Eric Tippeconnic (back row, center), an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation and a professor of American Indian studies at CSUSM.
The CSUSM library has won an inaugural national award for its access and diversity efforts. Pictured are attendees at an artist reception for a library exhibit in 2022 featuring the work of Eric Tippeconnic (back row, center), an enrolled member of the Comanche Nation and a professor of American Indian studies at CSUSM.
15
January
2024
|
08:00 AM
America/Los_Angeles

University Library Wins Inaugural Award for Access and Diversity

The Cal State San Marcos University Library has received the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. 

This year marks the first year that INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine has presented the LEAD Award, which honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) across their campus. These include, but are not limited to, research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions and community outreach.  

The CSUSM library will be featured, along with 55 other recipients, in the March 2024 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. 

“We are so grateful for this honor that recognizes the work we do each day for the benefit of our students and in alignment with our campus values,” said Jennifer Fabbi, dean of the CSUSM library. “While we know that diversity work never ends, we are proud to be placed with such an access- and justice-minded group of libraries.” 

Insight Into Diversity magazine selected the CSUSM library because of its many diversity initiatives, including the infusion of DEI in its recently completed strategic plan; hiring a bilingual (Spanish and English) librarian to work with student families and the larger community; its support of underrepresented authors and researchers; art installations with DEI themes; and mandatory and valued DEI work in the librarian tenure process. 

“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion and access” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.” 

A call for nominations for this award was announced in October. 

INSIGHT Into Diversity also annually hands out the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, which recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. CSUSM last fall received the HEED Award for the 10th consecutive year.  

For more information about the 2024 LEAD Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.