Article 1: Jaeger, P. T., Bertot, J. C., & Franklin, R. E. (2010). Diversity, inclusion, and underrepresented populations in LIS research.

Jaeger, P. T., Bertot, J. C., & Franklin, R. E. (2010). Diversity, inclusion, and underrepresented

populations in LIS research. Library Quarterly, 80, 175-181.

This article focuses on the lack of diversity in the population of library professionals compared to the widely diverse people whom they assist. With a more diverse library staff it can help encourage young children to become successful by seeing the success of many different types of people working in the library. It is with this thought that research is encouraged to explore the lack of diversity in the library profession and through this research the diversity issues can be addressed.

Research in diversity should be necessary for all professional fields because, as Jaeger states,

“Consistent exposure to this area of research stands as a key means through which students in LIS programs can become ready to provide inclusive information services to the wide range of patrons they will encounter in their professional lives. The diversity of the population in the United States is rapidly increasing and will continue to do so. If students are not aware of the range of issues of diversity, inclusion, and under-representation related to information and the ways to provide services that meet the needs and expectations of diverse populations, these students will not be able to adequately serve their communities or their profession.”

The research of diversity in library science is necessary to, not only keep current, but also be able to better assist those very diverse people who frequent the library. It is through research and study that students and library professionals can truly understand and better assist patrons, because it gives them insight into what they may need and without this knowledge it would be all too easy to have many miscommunication problems arise.

Students, like myself, can gain not only knowledge, but also confidence, by being comfortable in the knowledge that they are able to connect with people easier due to this research into the many issues of diversity that are constantly being faced in the world today. Students are not the only people who can gain from this research, but all library professionals and those involved in the library and information community. With a better understanding of today's issues the LIS community can help enable those who are negatively impacted by their diversity by bringing understanding support and new ideas to help them in any way possible.