The Maryland Libraries Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee's vision is that:
Maryland’s libraries will be community leaders in advancing an inclusive, anti-racist and welcoming community culture.
Mission
Established and supported by the Maryland State Library Agency, the EDI Committee will lead Maryland’s library administrators in creating a culture shift in organizations and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. We believe inclusion is essential to the relationship we cultivate that builds a foundation of equity. We celebrate and acknowledge our differences. We believe that when we support our diverse staff and community members we create communities that are innovative, economically successful, and continuously learning ways to improve society.
Background:
This taskforce was formed in 2018 in response to a need to bring together library staff from all types of libraries throughout the state to discuss and share best practices and strategies for promoting and supporting diversity and inclusive practices throughout the state. After two years of collecting and discussing information about the needs of various information professionals, it was decided that a repository of resources would be the best approach for gathering and sharing resources. This repository will be maintained by the members of the taskforce as well as members of the Maryland Library Association's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Panel.