United for Libraries will present a webinar on Library Policies and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: What Trustees and Boards Need to Know, led by Tara Michener and Clare Membiela, on Sat., Jan 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Eastern. Crafting and revising library policies with an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens is essential for public libraries. Learn how the library board and the director can work together to ensure that the library’s policies are inclusive to those who identify as BIPOC, disabled, and/or LGBTQ+, etc. Find out how to identify problematic issues in current policies, and how to ensure your policies follow legal guidelines. Attendees will also learn tips on demonstrating the importance of inclusive policies to board members and library staff. A Q&A will be included in the presentation. Register
Speakers:
Tara Michener is a two-time TEDx Speaker and an award-winning author of six children's books that range from early reader to young adult. Tara has a B.A. in journalism & public relations, an M.A. in counseling with a specialization in child and adolescent therapy, and intensive expertise in relational aggression and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Tara has created content for organizations such as the Library of Michigan, the Public Library Association Conference, the Michigan Library Association Conference, and more. Tara is the principal of a mental health private practice and psycho-educational center, Michener Associates Counseling Center. Tara has contributed for Essence Magazine, Prevention Magazine, WDET Detroit Today, and more. She is a past president of a library board and was a library Trustee for more than eight years. Tara is the Equity and Inclusion Chair of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)-Michigan, and a SCBWI Impact Legacy Foundation Committee Member committed to literacy and access.
Clare Membiela is the Library Law Consultant for the Library of Michigan. She helps public libraries understand and manage legal issues that impact library services. Before joining the Library of Michigan in 2016, she was the associate director for library and instructional support for the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Libraries. Before moving to Michigan, she worked at the University of Miami Law Library as the head of reference services. Prior to her academic library work, she worked for two major law firms as a librarian in their Miami offices. She has an MLS. from Southern Connecticut State University, a JD from the University of Miami, and 30 years of law library experience. She is excited about helping public libraries by connecting them to the legal information they need.
