Our Mission
Respect for diversity is a fundamental value of Stony Brook University and the University Libraries, and is identified among the core values of our strategic growth.Working in parallel with the Office of the SBU’s Chief Diversity Officer the University Libraries Committee on Equity, Inclusion and Diversity will strive to:
- build, preserve, and provide access to rich and diverse collections
- recommend policies and projects that embed diversity and inclusion into the Libraries’ services and work environments
- envision events that build cultural awareness and provide the tools needed to strengthen work relationships and build a supportive SBU community
- increase awareness and sensitivity among library staff
- develop responsive library spaces for diverse user communities
Library Initiatives
Hispanic Heritage Month Gift Basket to support PUERTO RICO
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and to help aid the disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico, the library‘s Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity committee put together a basket, to be auctioned at the Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Ceremony. The basket’s theme was “Gimme a Break” and included iTunes gift cards, movie tickets, snacks, coffee, and other items for students.
Native American Heritage Exhibit
Perhaps most prominent of the Native American influencers at Stony Brook are Jay Levenson, an interlibrary loan clerk in the Access Services Department at University Libraries, and Timothy Long, a professor, conductor and pianist with the Department of Music. They remain key figures in promoting and furthering a fuller understanding of Native American culture, art and history on campus.
Resources
“Invisible Dimensions of Diversity” by LeManual Lee Bitsóí
Disability Studies Research Guide
Equity, Inclusion, & Diversity Lecture Series
Past Events
February 5, 2018 at 4pm. “The History of Hip-Hop” including film excerpts and a panel discussion by Parrish Smith (EPMD), Zebulon Miletsky (Africana Studies), Angelique Lucien (Africana Studies), and David Brounley (Music).
November 27, 2017 at 2pm. “Germs, Genocides, and America’s Indigenous Peoples” a lecture by Paul Kelton in honor of Native American Heritage Month
November 30, 2017 at 4:00 – 5:30pm. Film Screening of RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World.
Hispanic Heritage Month Lecture Series
Past Events
October 17, 2017. Alfred d’Escragnolle Taunay and the Paraguayan War by Dr. Javier Uriarte
October 30, 2017. The Bilingual Identity and its Expression in Oral and Written Form by Elena Davidiak
Awards & Recognition
Library Faculty and Staff Honored at Annual Awards and Recognition Dinner
Safe Space at Melville Library
Across campus there are Safe Space members available to support and confidentially consult with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ*) community and their allies.
Safe Space members in Melville Library include: Darren Chase, NS2-A in the North Reading Room and Tara Grynne, W2550 on the 2nd floor of Melville Library.
R.E.D.I Project Seminar
Library faculty & staff have made it a priority to attend the R.E.D.I. Project Seminars, offered by Stony Brook University’s Plan for Diversity Equity & Inclusion. The six-hour seminar is geared toward increasing the understanding and celebration of the myriad of cultures that contribute to our diverse campus community. Those who have attended have praised it as a life-changing and incredible experience.
