Developing a Diversity-Competent Workforce: The UA Libraries’ Experience.

Developing and supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve is a central value and a customer-based business decision of the University of Arizona (UA) Libraries. In response to data collected through climate surveys, the UA Libraries’ Diversity Committee has been systematically working to improve the organization's climate for diversity. One activity undertaken was the development and incorporation of diversity competencies into the Libraries’ hiring and training processes. This article explores the importance of a diversity-competent workforce, shares the UA Libraries’ experiences in diversity competency development, and suggests why and how other libraries can engage in a similar process. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]