Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are topics that consistently appear in institutional strategies and ways of working documents. Managers at most institutions want to be seen to be engaging in this area, ensuring wellbeing for their staff, and welcoming in a diverse range of library users. But it can often be very hard to know what works, and what is achievable. Activities can gain popularity and spread throughout the library section – Black History Month book displays, the use of unconscious bias training and the creation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) staff networks being prime examples of EDI based initiatives that have become ubiquitous. In this book I address the positives, and sometimes negatives, of activities such as these, and hopefully introduce you to a wide range of other projects which may give you fresh ideas.

This book is designed as a concise and broad introduction to many of the topics you may encounter when trying to make your library inclusive and welcoming to library users and staff. It is a deliberately practical approach to EDI, concentrating on suggesting achievable actions which will make a difference to patrons and staff within your library. I have very rarely dived into theory, or discussion of the big global picture surrounding the push for equity, instead opting for a book which I hope will help you create an EDI focused mindset. At the end of each chapter there is a list of resources which will help you to learn more deeply about the topics covered. The views expressed in these books and resources will not always agree with mine. EDI is a fast-moving topic, and there are a multitude of viewpoints. I advise you to read widely and listen to many different voices on the topic.

Throughout, you will encounter case studies which describe projects carried out in a range of libraries. Some were written after interviews with the staff who spearheaded the projects, others were collated from already existing reports on the ideas behind them. The projects may not translate directly to your library, but by considering how staff have approached them, you may develop similar ideas tailored to your own situation.