Anti-Racist Collections Workbook: A Tool for Building Inclusive Library Collections

Abstract

The Anti-Racist Collections Workbook was developed by a team of librarians at the University of
Colorado Boulder as an alternative to traditional diversity audits, which often fail to address systemic
issues. Recognizing the deep-rooted ideologies of Whiteness in academic libraries, the workbook
uses scholar Diane Gusa’s White Institutional Presence framework to critically examine collection
practices. It focuses on six areas: cataloging and classification, selecting materials, purchasing
materials, approval profiles, weeding, and community engagement. Each section provides questions
to challenge existing practices and promote anti-racist collection policies. By interrogating and
adjusting traditional practices, the workbook aims to inspire library practitioners to create inclusive,
representative collections that better serve all communities, moving beyond superficial representation
to address structural inequities in library systems