Mind the Gaps: Exploring Diversity in School Library Collections

The Diverse BookFinder (DBF) and its Collection Analysis Tool (CAT) were co-founded by Dr. Krista Aronson at Bates College, with support from an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant. It was recognized in 2021 by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) as one of the Best Digital Tools for Teaching and Learning. Through its detailed data collection process and its nine thematic categories, the DBF allows users to see who is being represented in children's picture books as well as the messages those books portray (Aronson, Callahan, and O'Brien 2017). This is important because when students do not learn about different cultures or communities, they may make assumptions or believe stereotypes that can lead to isolation and may even foster prejudice. It is therefore crucial that learners read all kinds of stories to learn about the diverse experiences of people. This is where the DBF's unique data, collections, analysis tool, and other resources can come into play. Sharing the DBF with classroom teachers, administrators, and parents, conducting diversity audits using the CAT, utilizing the DBF's book database for acquisitions, and engaging with publishers and booksellers to communicate collection needs are all essential elements in achieving a well-rounded school library collection. These steps will allow librarians and educators to provide the varied and balanced school library collections that our learners both need and deserve.