North American Virtual Reference Online Conference

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In June 2020, the American Library Association (ALA) and the Tennessee Library Association (TLA) released statements and agendas noting the position of these organizations in the history of racist structures in the U.S. and more specifically, in the library profession. While many may have seen such statements as pure rhetoric, some library professionals embraced such endeavors and vowed through their work experiences to be involved partners for equality amongst colleagues and patrons.

This presentation is divided into four parts:
(1) Narratives of three library professionals who are attempting to fulfill the charge of the ALA and TLA statements at a historically black university refining virtual reference services;
(2) Role play examples of DEI the “right” and “wrong” way through Zoom employment interviews;
(3) Sharing forthcoming virtual projects these library professionals are considering and the thought process – consciously and subconsciously of DEI expectations; and
(4) Reviewing the ALA and TLA DEI statements and suggestions of how to put them in practice virtually and in-person.