National Recognition of Academic Libraries That Are Making a Difference for All Underrepresented Groups
KENTFIELD/NOVATO, CA—The College of Marin (COM) Library received the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The LEAD Award honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) across their campus. These include, but are not limited to research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions, and community outreach.
“Insight Into Diversity magazine selected the COM Library to acknowledge the wide partnership it facilitates,” said Dean of Arts and Humanities Lauren Servais. “In particular, COMmon Read supports faculty and staff in their equity, diversity, and inclusion research. In building towards ecosystems of belonging, the learning we hope to see in the classroom must be experienced and replicated throughout our College.”
A call for nominations for this award was announced in October 2023.
“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and access” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.”
COM’s Library will be featured, along with 55 other recipients, in the March 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine. The College is proud to continue its dedication to diversity, inclusion, and access.
“By inviting faculty, staff, and students to read, dialogue, and learn together, the library builds powerful communities of practice that center equity and antiracist praxis,” says Servais. “Further, as a space wherein all learners (students, staff, faculty) are invited to read and wonder, the library has woven itself into the entire learning and success fabric of the College.”
For more information about the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.
###
About Insight Into Diversity Insight Into Diversity magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today. Insight is the leader in recognizing inclusive excellence in higher education through its many prestigious awards. They are also known for being the leader in advancing best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion through their website and print magazine. On Insight’s online Career Center readers will also discover career opportunities that connect job seekers with institutions and businesses that embrace a diverse and inclusive workforce. Current, archived, and digital issues of Insight Into Diversity magazine are available online at insightintodiversity.com. About COM Established in 1926, College of Marin has remained committed to educational excellence, providing equitable opportunities, and fostering success in all members of our diverse community. With campuses in Kentfield and Novato, students of all ages have affordable access to an exciting variety of credit and noncredit courses, as well as community education classes for lifelong learning. The Kentfield Campus is located 10 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge at 835 College Avenue in Kentfield. Located in Novato, the Indian Valley Campus is situated on a spectacular 333-acre site approximately 10 miles north of Kentfield at 1800 Ignacio Boulevard. College of Marin is one of 116 public community colleges in California and more than 9,000 credit, noncredit, and community education students enroll annually. Learn more about College of Marin student characteristics in a summary report produced annually by the Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness Office.