Diversity Plans for Academic Libraries: An Example from the University of Montana

Abstract

In 2009 the University of Montana (UM) began revising the university’s diversity plan. The plan immediately established that diversity efforts at UM would be the responsibility of both the central administration and the various subunits of the institution. Colleges and schools, including the Mansfield Library, were committed under the new plan to create diversity plans of their own. This paper details the process the library undertook to draft that plan, including forming a work group; creating action items, goals, and strategic choices; and building consensus. It also highlights progress made towards implementing the plan since its inception.