As an institution, the library has traditionally served as a space for open debate and discourse on opposing viewpoints. How can community cornerstones such as libraries apply their experience to influence or contribute to a larger, sometimes difficult dialogue on issues of diversity, equality and inclusivity?

To explore this question, Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement, will join Austin Mayor Steve Adler and a group of panelists at an event hosted by UT Libraries on Thursday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. at the Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL), UFCU Room, 2.500.

Speakers also include Lorraine Haricombe, vice provost and UT Libraries director; Ling Hwey Jeng, president-elect of the Texas Library Association and director of the School of Library and Information Studies at Texas Woman’s University; and Julie Todaro, American Library Association president and Austin Community College Library Services dean. The panelists will explore the impact of inequality in local communities and how core institutions of government and education can work together to implement solutions aimed at addressing inequity. Topics will include:

• The unique relationship between the university and city of Austin, and how that relationship influences concepts of equality in the area.
• The respective roles of the university and libraries in fostering inclusivity across the shifting demographics of a city experiencing a period of substantial growth.
• How K-12 education can overlap with institutions of higher education to create opportunities for underserved populations.
• Efforts to promote information literacy as a means to combat cultural/social misperceptions.
• Ways of addressing institutionalized racism in civic and educational systems.

The discussion panel, titled “Beyond Barriers: The Community’s Role in Sustaining Diversity,” is free and open to the public. Please RSVP here to attend.