​Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as an aggregate concern presents both opportunities and challenges for cultural heritage organizations. In an effort to gauge current policies and practices regarding DEI, LYRASIS surveyed its membership of more than 1,000 galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM) institutions about their activities in three distinct areas: policy and infrastructure; recruiting, training, and retaining a diverse staff; and maintaining/building diverse collections.

​The core output of this survey is the 2020 LYRASIS DEI Survey Report. This report provides institutions with an opportunity to see where their efforts fall amongst the activities of their peers, and a potential method for categorizing DEI initiatives. The report also identifies trends across a wide range of libraries, including:

  • Libraries appear to be widely and actively thinking about DEI, at least insofar as the overwhelming majority have some sort of plan that incorporates specific DEI goals and objectives.
  • The majority of libraries provide training/professional development on topics such as sexual harassment, implicit bias, conflict resolution, active bystander, and discrimination, but most of it is optional rather than required.
  • Access to resources such as staff time and money is a critical factor in an organization’s ability to focus on DEI efforts, and leaders at all levels within an organization have tremendous influence over whether DEI initiatives are pursued.
Read the Survey Report (PDF)​​
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