At our university library, we recognized that inconsistencies in search committee processes create equity issues as well as barriers to attracting diverse candidates, and created a hiring guide that outlines best practices for search committees and how these practices can be consistently applied. We use these practices to aid the library’s efforts to attract excellent and diverse applicants, conduct fair and equitable candidate evaluations, and hire and retain well-qualified staff. To further the implementation of these practices, we aim to present highlights from the guide to every search committee in order to stress the importance of these processes.
During this session, attendees will learn about the content of our hiring guide and search committee presentation, discuss obstacles to the consistent application of equitable practices, and the challenges to changing workplace culture. We will also discuss the importance of thoughtful, purposeful, and collaborative onboarding practices once the candidate is hired. With this work, we strive to create a template to guide search committees through the process of recruiting, selecting, and retaining outstanding candidates for positions, while drawing particular attention to issues of equity and inclusion.
During this session, attendees will learn about the content of our hiring guide and search committee presentation, discuss obstacles to the consistent application of equitable practices, and the challenges to changing workplace culture. We will also discuss the importance of thoughtful, purposeful, and collaborative onboarding practices once the candidate is hired. With this work, we strive to create a template to guide search committees through the process of recruiting, selecting, and retaining outstanding candidates for positions, while drawing particular attention to issues of equity and inclusion.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the need for equitable and consistent practices for library search committees
Differentiate between hiring practices that improve or hinder equitable processes
Identify methods for implementing equitable practices across search committees and across the hiring process
Discuss methods for creating hiring and onboarding materials for their organization
