Phenomena of Cultural Intelligence in Pennsylvania Libraries: A Research Study

Abstract

This article describes a mixed methods research study of current Pennsylvania librarians to understand the phenomena of cultural intelligence within Pennsylvania libraries. The researcher surveyed Pennsylvania Library Association membership in September 2019. Survey participants took a cultural intelligence assessment, responded to qualitative questions, and addressed demographic questions. Overall, participants had varying levels of cultural intelligence, felt that cultural intelligence was important to their organizations and found value in its application. The results can inform library professionals and human resources about the importance of incorporation of cultural intelligence within everyday practices and communication with staff within libraries. Developing cultural intelligence through training and other activities will also impact the communities in which we serve. Best practices with cultural intelligence should be recorded and shared with other Pennsylvania libraries.

What are the options for library and information studies education reform in addressing racial inequity in the library profession in the UK?

“…Again, a holistic approach taking the wider view of structural oppression will be needed if we are to challenge these embedded structures (Brown et al, 2018), and that means identifying diversity in all its forms: ‘staffing, culture, collections, services and programming’ (Cruz, 2019: 226), learning from international practices (Saunders et al, 2013), applying these not only to interactions with other people but also with cultural knowledge and information (Onifade and Bridges, 2018). Villagran (2020) goes further, recommending evaluation of cultural intelligence or cultural quotient, drawing from business psychology. This cultural intelligence, defined as ‘an individual’s capability to function effectively in a new or unfamiliar environment across various cultural settings ’ (Villagran, 2020: 286) would be particularly relevant, for example, for international or area studies librarians.…”

“…Villagran (2020) goes further, recommending evaluation of cultural intelligence or cultural quotient, drawing from business psychology. This cultural intelligence, defined as ‘an individual’s capability to function effectively in a new or unfamiliar environment across various cultural settings ’ (Villagran, 2020: 286) would be particularly relevant, for example, for international or area studies librarians. Needless to say, if the profession were more diverse, colleagues and users would equally benefit.…”