The increasing attacks on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the United States at the national and state levels has negatively impacted research and scholarly communication and caused harm to many in our community, professionally and personally. The Library Publishing Coalition (LPC) reaffirms our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and support of the Coalition for Diversity and Inclusion in Scholarly Communications (C4DISC).
LPC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in library publishing is foundational to our vision of providing a “scholarly publishing landscape that is open, inclusive, and sustainable” through its values of openness and diversity. This vision is aligned with that of Educopia, our fiscal sponsor—“Reduced inequalities, increased access to knowledge.”
LPC has actively sought to create a safer space for all in our community and to promote work that increases equity in libraries and publishing. Efforts undertaken by LPC to advance DEIA in the coalition and in library publishing include:
- Founding membership in C4DISC in 2018 and adoption of the C4DISC Joint Statement of Principles in 2020
- Creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force in 2019
- Formalization of the task force into the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee in 2019 (updating the name to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in 2024)
- Creation of LPC’s first Roadmap for Anti-Racist Practice in 2021, which continues to be updated and guides the work of LPC’s Board, committees, task forces, and working groups.
- Addition of a DEIA Officer position to the LPC Board in 2024
As a supportive and welcoming community, LPC will continue to uphold our inclusive values by continuing to center diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in our activities and support those in our community who have been impacted by the changing political climate.