LIS Association Activities in Promoting and Sustaining an Inclusive Profession

Abstract

The virtuous circle model of library and information science (LIS) education, in which increased elements of diversity and inclusion in LIS education would lead to increased elements of diversity and inclusion in the LIS profession, provides a useful foundation for ongoing actions. This article builds on that model to show examples of inclusion fostered by LIS professionals themselves. By revisiting the history of the American Library Association (ALA), the five ethnic caucuses of ALA, and the Society of American Archivists, we describe the roles that these associations play in fostering professional inclusion.