Contextualizing Inclusivity in Terms of Language: Distinguishing Librarians from “Library Staff”

Abstract

Numerous employee groups exist in libraries. Often, there is a tendency to distinguish these groups into librarians and library staff. Recognizing the expanding diversity of library employees as well as the climate of building more inclusive workplaces, this article seeks to examine if this distinction is represented on institution websites and in the research literature within the context of academic libraries. There are two competing elements of inclusion in the language used to group employees: belonging and uniqueness. This article explores the need to find a balance between grouping individuals collectively and recognizing their unique role differences.