BIPOC

History

Recognizing the importance of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) centered spaces for BIPOC library staff and LIS students, the Boston Library Consortium established the BIPOC Caucus in 2020. Originally under the umbrella of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Community of Interest (EDI COI), the BIPOC Caucus now functions independently and is a critical part of the BLC’s commitment to uplifting BIPOC voices and upholding an equitable and supportive environment for BIPOC library staff and LIS students of all levels.

Perspective

The BIPOC Caucus acknowledges that the BIPOC community is diverse and not monolithic in its perspectives and needs. We will use our shared understanding and experiences of historical and current exclusion and oppression to work together to fight systemic inequities and improve the representation and career environment of historically underrepresented, underserved, or marginalized groups in the library and information field.

Goals

The goals of the BIPOC Caucus include building and maintaining a safe and supportive community for and improving the experience of all BIPOC library staff and LIS students; retaining BIPOC library staff members; advocating for policies that promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice in the workplace; providing opportunities for networking and working collaboratively; promoting racial literacy and cultural competency within our respective library organizations; and conducting outreach and mentorship to library schools. 

In addition to virtual and in-person meetings, BIPOC Caucus activities will grow out of the interests of our members and may include:

• Presentations/speakers/trainings
• Community readings (e.g., books on libraries/librarianship or LIS history with EDI lens/focus)
• Collaborative research and projects