Governance / Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee Meeting: January 6, 2026

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee Meeting: January 6, 2026

CONFERENCE CALL

Members attending representing these CARLI member institutions: Illinois State Library, Depaul University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Erikson Institute, Moraine Valley Community College, University of Illinois Springfield, Dominican University

CARLI Staff Attending:  Nicole Swanson, Wyn Schell

Announcements   

  • CARLI Announcements
    • Anne Craig retired at the end of 2025. CARLI welcomes new director Laurie Blandino.
    • A volunteer has been invited to join the committee to fill the open position. Awaiting to hear back from this person.
    • CARLI liaisons have assisted in inviting the following groups to February meetings to discuss DEI projects occurring with our partners but are awaiting response: RAILS and IHLS.
    • Update on February meeting/DEI groups invites for “lunch and learn”.
  • Member Announcements
    • Member from Chicago Botanic Garden has decided to step down from the CARLI DEI Committee. 

Discussion

  • Discussion of questions to be asked during February meeting “lunch and learn.” 
  • Strategic Planning Discussion:
    • Suggestion of a Needs survey to pass along to member library staff.
    • Discussion of the difficulties of DEI professional development and programming when folks outside of CARLI institutions are present.
    • Suggestion of the need to assess PDA offerings to have data to work with to see where PDA gaps exist, especially with DEI programming. 
    • Discussion of the need for clear goals and actionable items when developing Strategic Plan. 
    • Need to look at what has been done with Strategic Planning in the past and collect data on successes and shortcomings.  
  • April 30th Proposed Deadline for finishing assessment and suggestions for CARLI Strategic Plan. 

Decisions

  • Meeting minutes for November 2025 and December 2025 approved.

Tasks Assigned

  • Members will work asynchronously to assess and provide suggestions for Strategic Planning in the Brainstorming document.
    • Beginning with the two following goals and actions: Goal A, Action 1; Goal A, Action 3
  • If members think of any additional groups to add to the "lunch and learn" discussion, email them to the group

Meeting Dates

  • Next Meeting: February 3, 2026 1pm

ADJOURNED: 2:30pm