Anti-Racist Collections Workbook: A Tool for Building Inclusive Library Collections

The Anti-Racist Collections Workbook was developed by a team of librarians at the University of Colorado Boulder as an alternative to traditional diversity audits, which often fail to address systemic issues. Recognizing the deep-rooted ideologies of Whiteness in academic libraries, the workbook uses scholar Diane Gusa’s White Institutional Presence framework to critically examine collection practices. It focuses on six areas: cataloging and classification, selecting materials, purchasing materials, approval profiles, weeding, and community engagement. Each section provides questions to challenge existing practices and promote anti-racist collection policies. By interrogating and adjusting traditional practices, the workbook aims to inspire library practitioners to create inclusive, representative collections that better serve all communities, moving beyond superficial representation to address structural inequities in library systems