1. MetLib 2010 - Zagreb How Inclusive is Your Library A Toolkit from Canadian Urban Libraries Jeff Barber

2. MetLib 2010 - Zagreb What is Social Inclusion? Social inclusion is the participatory, authentic and accountable manner in which organizations uphold and reinforce the principles of access and equity for all.

3. And… In particular, social inclusion is the manner in which organizations: –understand and engage their communities –explore, view and challenge barriers, values and behaviours –develop, implement and evaluate systems, programs, policies and procedures –provide equitable access to services and decision-making opportunities –demonstrate the level of inclusion through tangible outcomes MetLib 2010 - Zagreb

4. Why Does It Matter? Social inclusion facilitates positive outcomes: –Increases employment –Decreases poverty –Enables civic engagement –Reduces discrimination and racism –Promotes access to public resources and institutions An audit: –Formalizes, informs and guides the removal of barriers –Provides an analysis of the degree to which barriers have been removed MetLib 2010 - Zagreb

5. Why CULC? Canadian Urban Libraries Council –New Strategic Plan/Reinvent the organization –Research and Knowledge Transfer agenda Canada –Immigration ~250,000 people emigrate to Canada each year 70% settle in Toronto, Montréal or Vancouver metropolitan areas –Aboriginal population 1.2 million people Growth rate more than 3 times that of non-aboriginal population 45% live in urban areas MetLib 2010 - Zagreb

6. SIA Toolkit Result of (CULC’s first) major research project, spanning about two years Includes: –Introduction to concepts –Detailed review of each of the 12 questions/outcome statements and a measurement system – the audit –Survey and focus group results from immigrant youth –Literature review and research summary Intended to permit self-assessment MetLib 2010 - Zagreb

7. Audit Audit requires at least two measurement points –current Status –Progress over time Audit measures 3 indicators with 12 questions: MetLib 2010 - Zagreb IndicatorMeasuresQs OpennessHow well the library knows the community2 Intentionality How well the library reinforces the principles of social inclusion 7 InclusionHow well the library is the community3

8. SI Indicator Matrix CriteriaIndicator Social inclusion is the manner in which institutions: are open to understanding and engaging their communities Openness Intentionality explore, view, and challenge barriers, values, and behaviours Openness Intentionality develop, implement, and evaluate systems, programs, policies, and procedures Intentionality provide equitable access to services and decision making opportunities Intentionality Inclusion demonstrate the level of inclusion through tangible outcomes Inclusion MetLib 2010 - Zagreb

9. Example: Question 6 Indicator: Intentionality Question/Outcome: –“–“A plan of action has been developed which includes: analysis of community needs and gaps in service; annual social inclusion audit results; targeted strategies for: –g–governance, –h–human resources and training/learning, plus –p–programs/services, –c–collections development, implementation, and evaluation.” MetLib 2010 - Zagreb

10. Example: Question 6 Toolkit includes: –Suggested community assessment tools –Sample charts to assist in: Evaluating previous performance on SI audits Evaluating current strategies and proposing change –Overview of information from Toronto and Hamilton relevant to the question –Measurement system –Tips –Audit Tool Interpretation (post measurement) MetLib 2010 - Zagreb

11. Measurement System MetLib 2010 - Zagreb Low Status Low Progress Low Status High Progress High Status Low Progress High Status High Progress Moderate Status Moderate Progress 0 48 Status Progress

12. Tidbits from the Survey The longer immigrant youth have been in Canada: –The more they prefer youth related collections over EAL or cultural collections –The more they prefer programming relevant to their age over ethnic or newcomer themes –The more they want to see ethnic diversity reflected in the staff Length of time spent in Canada was not a significant factor in how immigrant youth used library computers, use the catalogue, appreciate diversity in art, or feel comfortable in the library. MetLib 2010 - Zagreb

13. Latest Developments Currently preparing for use/implementation of the toolkit in: –London (ON), Halifax (NS), Barrie (ON), Oshawa (ON), Ottawa (ON), Edmonton (AB), Windsor (ON), Hamilton (ON), Vancouver (BC) Toolkit printed in English and French Online at www.siatoolkit.com and includes 5 short ‘how-to’ videoswww.siatoolkit.com MetLib 2010 - Zagreb

14. Thank you!

15. MetLib 2010 - Zagreb Questions? www.siatoolkit.com www.siatoolkit.com/francais