About The Project
The WisLibIDEA initiative is an ongoing, dynamic project designed to inspire meaningful conversations and action within Wisconsin’s library community on vital social justice topics. Since its launch, the project has expanded from addressing racial equity to covering broader areas like allyship and other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics. Below, we outline how the project has evolved over the years:
Where We Started: Wisconsin Libraries Talk About Race (2021/2022)
The project began with a focus on racial equity, aiming to create space for Wisconsin libraries to have essential conversations about race and address systemic challenges. This initiative was shaped by a growing awareness of racial disparities and the desire to provide resources for library staff to better understand and engage on these issues.
Goals for 2022:
- Talking about race at work
- Engaging in sensitive conversations & handling pushback
- Understanding why diversity matters in majority white spaces
Wisconsin Libraries Talk About Allyship (2022/2023)
In 2022, the project expanded to focus on Allyship, a natural evolution from the race discussions. The aim was to build on the skills needed for being effective allies in the work of equity and inclusion, while also encouraging continuous action in these areas.
Goals for 2023:
- Discover what learning gaps exist in the Wisconsin Library Community in order to better inform future continuing education work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
- Improve Wisconsin library workers’ capacity for discussing topics related to race (based on a pre- and post-survey).
- Determine next steps to improve the capacity of libraries and library workers in talking about and taking action toward racial equity.
Wisconsin Libraries In Action (2024/2025)
The project continues to evolve, with a renewed focus on expanding DEI conversations beyond race and allyship. This session’s focus will be shaped by feedback from the library community, with an emphasis on building a strong, inclusive, and supportive environment for all library staff and patrons.
Goals for 2024:
- Promote and uplift deliberate DEI Practices that are adaptable for all Wisconsin libraries.
- Develop and sustain a statewide support network for BIPOC library staff.
- Identify (through surveys, focus groups, and more) additional topics or needs under the DEI umbrella to re-engage the larger library community.
Ways For Library Staff to Participate
1. Register here for the newest series.
2. Watch Past Webinars: Access recordings of previous sessions like “Beyond Diversity 101” and “Moving Past Midwest Nice” with your team.
3. Independent study: Independently explore foundational topics related to racial equity through suggested books, articles, videos, etc.
4. Group exploration or discussion: We encourage you to utilize the Independent Study materials and the Additional Resources by scheduling activities with your library staff, Board, Friends, community, or others.
5. Join an Advisory Committee or Join the Team: Apply to join an Advisory Committee/the IDEA Team and help shape future project directions. See email addresses below or stay tuned for new opportunities popping up all the time.
6. Share Feedback: Participate in surveys or shoot us an email to influence the future focus of the project.
This is your opportunity to be a part of something bigger—helping to create a more inclusive and equitable library community across Wisconsin.
Project Organizers & Contact Us: The IDEA Team
The IDEA Team is a group of system consultants from across Wisconsin. The purpose of this team is to facilitate and organize statewide professional learning on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for Wisconsin library staff members.
Please contact any IDEA Team member with questions, suggestions, or to request any accommodations.
2024-2025 Co-Chairs:
Mark Jochem, South Central Library System: mjochem@scls.info
Cole Zrostlik, La Crosse Public Library: czrostlik@lacrosselibrary.org
Jean Anderson, South Central Library System: jean@scls.info
Chris Baker, Department of Public Instruction: chris.baker@dpi.wi.gov
Tracy Herold, Dane County Library Service: herold@dcls.info
Elkid Alvarez Maldonado, Racine Public Library: elkid.alvarezmaldonado@racinelibrary.info
Emily Rogers, Brown County Library: emily.rogers@browncountywi.gov
Emily Whitmore, Spring Green Library: ewhitmore@springgreenlibrary.org
Additional Project Consulting
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Consulting for this project has been provided by the THE PEOPLE COMPANY. The People Company provides relevant advice, coaching, strategic perspective, and educational solutions for multiple industries, including healthcare, technology, higher education, insurance, manufacturing, service and non-profit industries to understand how diversity, equity and inclusion factors into their work, decision-making, problem-solving, business opportunities and business growth.