Shared Definitions of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Social Justice(IDEAS)The Ohio State University Libraries IDEAS Committee recognizes that inclusivity, diversity, equity,accessibility, and social justice are dynamic, evolving and living concepts rather than statically determined
and fixed constructs. Individuals exist on an identity spectrum, rather than as a collection of disunited
characteristics and traits. Individual characteristics include but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, nationalorigin, gender, gender identity and expression, sexuality, use of adaptive technologies, devices andanimals, family relationships and structure, medical diagnoses, physical modifications, manner of dress,
veteran status, class, income, academic attainment, housing status, profession, and religion. Using
definitions drafted by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) as a starting point, we have adapted
the following terms to reflect the challenges at Ohio State and our campus community.
As an academic library at a land-grant institution, we recognize the colonial and violent origins of ouruniversity. 1 Creating shared definitions is one aspect of the ongoing work towards reparative and socialjustice. These definitions serve as a starting point—a corrective way to define the goals that we need toachieve as an organization. These definitions only lay the groundwork for our intentions with regards toequity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice. This work is continuous and dynamic, and thesedefinitions are subject to evaluation and revision. While we acknowledge that there are many alternate
definitions for these terms, we agree to use the following working definitions as our shared vocabulary,expressing the principles that guide us towards a more perfect realization of our goals.
Inclusivity
We recognize that a central mission of land-grant organizations is to encourage knowledge sharing
beyond the boundaries of the university community. As a modern institute of higher education, we aspire
to articulate and live equity values and are committed to taking action to ensure that conditions exist to
facilitate and protect our stakeholders’ sense of belonging physically, digitally, and intellectually. This isreflected in creating safe spaces for individuals to express themselves across the spectrum of theiridentity. Inclusion also involves acknowledging the past, fostering the proper attribution of ideas andcultural contributions, while challenging assumed histories.
Diversity
We broadly define diversity to include social, cultural, and physiological differences between individuals
and communities. It extends beyond definitions of personal differences to include past experiences,attitudes, speech, demeanor, actions, and work roles. Every person is a complex individual with multiple
overlapping identities rather than an easily categorized member of majority or minority groups. We
celebrate and encourage diversity, through programming, collections of resources, services, and accessto Libraries’ spaces. At the same time, we know those with marginalized identities as their salient identity
are often underrepresented and negatively disproportionally impacted by oppressive structures. We
encourage library users and staff members to bring their whole selves and are committed to curating
resources that reflect the campus community.
EquityUniversity Libraries includes equity as an organizational value under our strategic directions. We define
equity as providing the structures, support, access, and opportunities that allow for the full participation of
all users and workers. In our actions and behaviors, we challenge legacy policies and procedures thatreinforce structural inequalities. University Libraries works to remediate the effects of disparity anddisenfranchisement by providing opportunities for underrepresented populations, while facilitating thepositive and equitable advancement of diverse voices. To this end, University Libraries now discloses
salary ranges in job postings, and has taken steps to work towards more transparency in the recruitment
process.
Accessibility
In recognizing the diverse needs of our stakeholders, we commit to eliminating obstacles to full andsuccessful engagement for all regardless of ability, experience, and social situation, providing equitable
resources to our broad range of users. Ongoing work in this area includes auditing electronic resources toensure that they meet our Minimum Digital Accessibility Standards and updating spaces to welcome
individuals with a variety of needs. Additionally, accessibility strategies are not limited to physicalaccommodation and resource access, but also include strategies to remediate economic and social
factors that might interfere with successful access to resources and facilities.
Social JusticeSocial justice encompasses fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges. University
Libraries recognizes that simply providing access to resources is not enough. Social justice is not only
about leveling the playing field, but recognizing that our freedom is interconnected, and we must work
toward creating a community and workplace that promotes "physical and psychological" safety. Social
justice in academia is a culture shift. As an academic library at a land-grant university, we have theresponsibility to acknowledge the impact that our institution has on surrounding communities, and work
towards reparative, restorative, and social justice measures to remediate harm that has been done.
As a dynamic partner and campus leader in advancing discovery and learning for The Ohio State
University, the state of Ohio and an ever-expanding community of world scholars, University Libraries iscommitted to:• creating an environment conducive to academic inquiry, scholarly communication, creative
achievement, and lifelong learning• providing a safe, positive, and nurturing environment in which differences are explored,
respected, and embraced• fostering a community grounded in respect and appreciation for all• advancing access to information and supporting social justice

Resources
University Libraries Strategic Directions: https://library.osu.edu/strategic-directions
Association of College & Research Libraries Diversity Standards:
http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/diversity
American Library Association Strategic Planning for Diversity:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/workplace/diversityplanning
Association of Research Libraries Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:, https://www.arl.org/focus-areas/diversityequity-and-inclusion#. XMNPk ZNKhTY

Revised: December 2022