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For a second year in a row, ������Ƶ Libraries has received the 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity Award (LEAD) from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The LEAD Award honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across their campus. These include — but are not limited to — research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions and community outreach.

“I am proud of the continued work and commitment of our Libraries to incorporate DEI into our core work,” Dean of Libraries Andrea Falcone said. “This honor is a testament to the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in an effort to create a library space for all. ”

The Libraries support several major initiatives to ensure diversity throughout their collections, practices and events. These initiatives, among many efforts for DEI promotion, include the continuation of a decolonizing collections working group to ensure that current acquisitions align with and are representative of the broad and diverse community, the curation of subject guides related to anti-racism and reading lists highlighting diverse voices, as well as regularly collaborating with campus partners to host programs that showcase a variety of perspectives.

“I would like to commend the Libraries for their continued dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Karen Jones, ������Ƶ vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “The Libraries serve as a steady and unwavering collaborator in the University’s efforts to provide an environment where accessibility, identity, intersectionality and social justice are fully embraced.”

The Libraries will be featured, along with 35 other recipients, in the March 2025 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine.

“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and access,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.”

For more information about the 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.