Statement of Purpose
In order to create an environment that aligns with Gleeson Library | Geschke Center’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence (DEIE), the Staff Development Working Group crafted a statement of intent around DEIE as it relates to professional development, to create a framework that guides our efforts in the strategic planning process and beyond. We recognize the importance of empowering staff with the professional and interpersonal skills necessary to institutionalize the library’s mission. There is a need for maintaining a robust professional development and mentorship program to work towards retention of staff and faculty of color. Traditional professional development opportunities can pose financial barriers to staff and faculty of marginalized backgrounds. Our aim is to foster a culture where every member of our library community feels supported and inspired to achieve additional personal and professional skills. We believe that in order to better serve the student body at the University of San Francisco, it is important to train and support staff in issues related to cultural humility, anti-oppression, and anti-racist frameworks.
Professional development serves as a means towards action and engagement as it relates to equity and social justice. We recognize the importance of acknowledging the Ohlone People, the original stewards of the land where the University of San Francisco currently resides. We encourage folks to donate or pay a land tax to the Sogorea Te’ Land Trust and research the Indigenous communities and organizers from the lands where their professional development opportunities take place.