Through the Looking Glass: Reforming Art Library Collections with DEI-Centered Acquisition Practices

This article examines the results of a multi-stage exploratory study on the acquisition practices of collection development librarians in arts libraries and how these practices support or hinder aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related to collection work. Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from the study’s written survey and focus groups indicates that while art librarians are overall loosely employing creative strategies to address the DEI scope in collections, practical and comprehensive guidance is needed. Subsequently, the authors have developed principles and guidelines in response to the results of the study as well as a thorough review of literature on the topic of art libraries, collections, and DEI. The guidelines serve as an intervention to move librarians from ingrained, colonized thinking to acquisition practices that instead foster diversity, equity, and inclusivity. A preview of the guidelines shows an approach to collection development that centers around relationship building, radical empathy, and anti-bias.