Welcome to Diversity in Libraries of the North (DILON)!
We are a friendly and active group made up of BAME/POC/non-white library and information professionals.
Manifesto
To be actively anti-racist;
To advocate for diversity in libraries;
To provide a safe space for minorities to discuss their experiences;
To showcase the work of our members and provide a platform;
To act without pretension or exclusion;
To encourage and support our members and the wider library community.
Membership
Membership is for POC/BAME/non-white/ethnic minority people who work in a library or information profession (in any role). We have restricted our membership to provide a safe space for discussion of experiences and people from across the country are welcome to join and contribute.
We welcome support from our allies from all backgrounds, in all library roles and in all locations.
We believe in intersectionality and support other minorities such as women and LGBTQ+ people.
What can I do?
If you identify as a POC, BAME, an ethnic minority or non-white and work in a library or information role (we won’t police this, it’s up to you how you identify), please fill in our membership form and we will add you to our mailing list. Members can write blog posts, attend meet-ups, plan events, speak at conferences and share experiences.
If you do not meet our criteria for membership (i.e. you identify as white) but would like to show your support, please follow and engage with us on twitter @libdiverse, read this blog, recommend us, attend our formal events and continue to educate yourself.
We have a blurb for you to circulate around your workplace with all the contacts and links already in, just copy it from this Google Doc.
Anyone can send ideas, suggestions, comments and memes to libdiverse@gmail.com but please do not expect a swift response as this inbox is not monitored. You can also get in touch via Twitter @libdiverse (or to me directly @epicbayj if all else fails!)
DILON 