91´«Ã½

CHICAGO - The 91´«Ã½’s Committee on Diversity will host a Town Hall Meeting on Diversity from 8 a.m. - noon on Friday June 24 in the Morial Convention Center, Room 265 during the 2011 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in New Orleans.

Diversity remains an important issue within the profession and the association. Those aware of the changing landscape of local communities recognize that diversity within libraries is an essential and necessary strategy for improving service and innovation. This Town Hall Meeting provides attendees with an opportunity to gather and discuss challenges, opportunities and best practices for achieving diversity in the profession.

The Town Hall Meeting will feature a brief presentation on current statistics and research pointing to an increased need for diversity within the profession. Attendees will have two opportunities to participate in breakout discussion groups. The first breakout session will focus on the current needs, opportunities and best practices of specific types of libraries and library services. The second breakout session will focus on the key elements (recruitment, education, retention, representation) towards building a more diverse profession to address anticipated future needs. Members of the 91´«Ã½ Committee on Diversity will help facilitate breakout discussions and provide for an effective and constructive dialogue across attendees.

Previous Town Hall Meetings on Diversity have provided valuable opportunities to share strategies, learn of new initiatives and develop supportive contacts.

Attendance at the Diversity Town Hall is open to all 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference attendees. While an RSVP is not required, individuals may express their interest in attending to diversity@ala.org to help facilitate planning for the meeting.