Defining Diversity in Collection Development
*From #WeNeedDiverseBooks:
“We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, Native, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities*, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities.”*We subscribe to a broad definition of disability, which includes but is not limited to physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, chronic conditions, and mental illnesses (this may also include addiction). Furthermore, we subscribe to a social model of disability, which presents disability as created by barriers in the social environment, due to lack of equal access, stereotyping, and other forms of marginalization.”(*Note: Special Thanks to Alyse Minter, MLIS and Towson University Reference Librarian, for sharing her expertise in Collection Development Resources in the development of this page).
From the American Library Association (ALA): Diversity in Collection Development (An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights)
Click on the link above to the full Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.
Resources for Selecting Diverse Literature
Diverse Bookfinder
“Diverse BookFinder is a search engine/database for K-3 picture books featuring diverse human characters and a corresponding physical collection of picture books which is housed at Ladd Library at Bates College.”
WNBD weneeddiversebooks.org
“We Need Diverse Books™ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and a grassroots organization of children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry.”
Teaching Books
“An exclusive, ever-growing,m vetted collection of instructional materials about children’s and young adult books and authors, everyone can easily…
- Identify exceptional books that reflect diverse cultural experiences, interests, and ability levels
- Obtain resources paired with your book titles that further reading enjoyment, contextual knowledge, and educational relevance
- Share resources with everyone in your community via easy-to-use flyers, emails, texts, embeddable links, and social media.”
Blogs and Web Resources
- Latinxs in Kid Lit – https://latinosinkidlit.com/
- American Indians in Children’s Literature – https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/
- Reading While White – https://readingwhilewhite.blogspot.com/
- Crazy Quilt Edi – https://campbele.wordpress.com/
- The Brown Bookshelf – https://thebrownbookshelf.com/
- LGBT YA reviews – http://lgbt-ya.tumblr.com/
- Malinda Lo blog – http://www.malindalo.com/blog/
- SLJ Resources for Diversity in YA and Kid’s Lit – http://www.slj.com/resources/slj-resources-for-diversity-in-kid-and-ya-lit/
Award Winning Diverse Literature
American Library Association Listing of Awards that Celebrate Diversity in Children’s Literature compiled by Laura Schulte Cooper
Coretta Scott King Book Awards
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood