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DIVERSITY IN THE LIBRARY PROFESSION TO BE FOCUS OF MAY 21 SUMMIT AT SIMMONS COLLEGE

 

BOSTON (May 5, 2003) - The promotion of diversity in the archival and library profession will be the focus of a conference Wednesday, May 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS), 300 The Fenway. The summit, "Diversity in the Archival and Library Profession: Moving Beyond the ALA Spectrum Initiative," will address the current state of diversity in libraries, and the function diversity plays in Simmons's strategic plans and how the GSLIS is specifically implementing diversity.

            The keynote speaker will be Dr. Toni-Michelle Travis, associate professor of government and politics at George Mason University and an expert on race, gender and politics. Among her numerous publications, Travis recently co-edited The Meaning of Difference. She is a former visiting professor at Simmons in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, and also was host and producer of Capital Region Roundtable, a nationally broadcast cable television show.

            The summit will include breakout sessions dealing with diversity in recruitment, mentoring, and future initiatives.

            For more information and to make a reservation to attend this event, contact Dr. Em Claire Knowles, assistant dean of the GSLIS, at 617-521-2798.

            The Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science has one of the largest library and information science master's program in the nation and places librarians around the world. The GSLIS campus at Mount Holyoke College allows students in western New England to more easily pursue a master's degree in library and information science.

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