Social Justice Metrics for Libraries: Considerations for an Emerging Framework

Abstract

The mission of the academic institution to support student learning and success has embedded within it the need to attend to issues of equity, inclusion, and justice. By providing a shared collection for access by all members of a community, the academic library seeks to establish a shared level of access to information. At one level, this seems to create equality inherently; however, it is obvious that not everyone is equally able to avail themselves of this access. Differences in resources, preparation, and experiences mean that equal access does not guarantee equitable access. If an academic library turns its attention to equity, it will develop additional services and offer further resources, likely targeted to particular segments of its community.