Rutgers University Libraries Selected by the Association of Research Libraries to Participate in Inaugural Strategies Institute

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has invited Rutgers University Libraries to send a five-person delegation to the first-ever ARL Strategies Institute. The event will take place March 17-19 at Indiana University in Indianapolis.

Through an approximately six-month process, the delegation will develop an institutional action plan to advance Rutgers University Libraries’ efforts related to creating an inclusive environment, providing equitable services and opportunities, and developing a culture of fairness and respect. The ARL Strategies Institute aims to increase the capacity of participants to effect positive change with and within their respective communities through the acquisition and application of specific knowledge, awareness, and skills related to diversity, equity, and inclusion; organizational development; and leadership.

The Rutgers University Libraries delegation will include five managers in access services and fulfillment:

• Richard Jutkiewicz, head of access services, Health Sciences Libraries (Rutgers Health)
• Ann Marie Latini, head of access services, Paul Robeson Library (Camden)
• Orla Mejia, fulfillment coordinator and interlibrary loan services supervisor (universitywide)
• Todd Pickens, library supervisor I, Access Services, John Cotton Dana Library (Newark)
• Andres Martinez, library supervisor I, Access Services, Mabel Smith Douglass Library (New Brunswick)

“In alignment with the values of Rutgers University Libraries, we have focused our efforts on building a strong foundation in inclusive practices throughout our organization, says Consuella Askew, vice president for university libraries and university librarian. “The managers selected for this delegation interact closely with our frontline personnel, users across the university, and external stakeholder groups. The insights they gain will directly influence our organizational culture, the work experience of our personnel, and ultimately, the library experience of our users.”

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit membership organization of research libraries and archives in major public and private universities, federal government agencies, and large public institutions in Canada and the US. More information about ARL Institutes can be found on the ARL website.