Over the last three years it has been my pleasure to be the project director of the LTLS’ diversity initiative.  In the first year, we focused on diversity efforts in the Lincoln Trail area.  In the second year, we expanded our outreach efforts to three other library systems.  This year we are tackling a statewide focus.

The diversity initiative has brought a great many products to share with our libraries.  On our website (http://www.librarydiversity.info/projects.html) you can find downloadable bookmarks in 8 languages:  English, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, Polish, Germany and Italian.  These bookmarks are customizable for your library and advertise a variety of basic services.  Also, we have posters in English, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, French and Spanish again advertising basic library services

Another exciting product to promote diversity in your library is a downloadable screen saver.  The screen saver contains the words, “Welcome to the Library” in nine of the most commonly spoken languages in East Central Illinois.  The screen saver is available for the PC and Macintosh.

One of the most thrilling speakers I have ever heard was Rajmohan Gandhi.  Mr. Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, is currently working at the University of Illinois.  He has graciously allowed us to post his speech at YouTube.com.  Due to space limitations, the speech was broken up into 5 sessions.  Find a link to this wonderful man’s vision and insight at: http://www/librarydiversity.info/R_GandhiPresentation.html.

Our initiative last year brought two more exciting products to our line up.  A 2007 calendar that contains selected holidays, festivals and celebrations.  For LTLS member libraries, and members of the three other library systems, you will receive the calendar free of charge! 

LTLS launched a diversity forum on our website to generate ideas and conversation about the world of diversity.  Check it out at: http://www.librarydiversity.info/cgi-bin/diversityforum/YaBB.pl.

As we continue through the fiscal year, LTLS will be extending an invitation to all of you to attend the 2007 diversity forum.  This will be a statewide forum – date, time and place are still being arranged.  The focus on the forum will be partnerships in our community.  At the end of the forum, library participants working with their partner will be able to apply to LTLS for a mini-grant to provide a program, service or event at their library. 

I am very proud of the work that LTLS has accomplished and look forward to an exciting year in diversity!  If you have any thoughts, questions, or suggestions about diversity in libraries, contact me at:  dschaa@lincolntrail.info or 217-352-0047, Ext. 204.