Best of Core Forum: Best of Core Forum: Building an IDEA Strategy for Public Libraries

Description: 

Public libraries increasingly seek to advance Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), yet many struggle to move beyond standalone initiatives and embed equity into organizational culture and climate. This session will share how the Denver Public Library (DPL) IDEA subdivision has developed an equity-centered strategy rooted in shared leadership, accountability structures, and data-informed decision-making. Using DPL’s structured change process, this session will break down the four pillars guiding the library’s IDEA work: 1. Equity-Centered Organizational Culture & Climate – Creating a workplace where IDEA principles guide daily operations.
2. Equity in Core Services & Partnerships – Ensuring collections, programming, and public services are accessible and equitable.
3. Accessibility Strategy & Coordination – Coordinating accessibility efforts across library services and spaces. 
4. Accountability & Data-Informed Improvements – Establishing measurable IDEA commitments and tracking progress.

We will also introduce Equity-Embedded Change Management (EECM), a framework designed to anticipate and navigate resistance while ensuring IDEA becomes an integral part of leadership and decision-making. Rather than reactive compliance, this approach builds long-term, systemic equity into internal operations and external services.

Through case studies, guided exercises, and discussion, participants will assess their own institutions' IDEA efforts, identify challenges, and explore practical strategies that acknowledge capacity and current resources for embedding IDEA beyond one-off programs.

Attendees will leave with concrete tools for developing governance structures, leadership accountability models, and assessment strategies that move IDEA from an aspirational goal to a library-wide priority.

Learning Outcomes: 

At the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:

• As a result of attending this session, participants will: - Analyze how IDEA work often becomes siloed and explore strategies for embedding it into library-wide policies, leadership, and operations. 
•  Apply Equity-Embedded Change Management (EECM) principles to navigate resistance, create shared leadership structures, and sustain IDEA work. 
• Develop accountability models using data-informed tracking, bias reporting systems, and structured governance strategies to ensure IDEA commitments are met.

Who Should Attend: This presentation is geared towards anyone who is directly connected to advancing or supporting Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) work at their organization.

Presenter:

Fabiola Mora (she/her/ella pronouns), IDEA Director Fabiola leads the development and implementation of the Denver Public Library’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility strategy. She oversees organizational change efforts to embed equity into internal and external work, fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging that supports both staff and the diverse communities DPL serves. fmora@denverlibrary.org

Beckett (Bec) Czarnecki (they/them pronouns), Internal Equity Consultant Bec is a strategic consultant and an equity-centered change-management partner who provides customized guidance and tools to help teams translate IDEA principles into their daily workflows, decision-making, and internal policies. Their role partners with subdivisions across the organization to assess equity gaps, remove systemic barriers, and build staff capacity for leading inclusive, equity-centered teams. bczarnecki@denverlibrary.org

Naghem Swade (she/her pronouns), Internal Equity Consultant Naghem is an Internal Equity Consultant and serves as a strategic consultant and equity-centered change management partner, focusing on embedding inclusion, diversity, and equity into the Denver Public Library’s internal operations, workplace culture, and leadership practices. Her work focuses on fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where all staff feel valued and supported. Through consulting, training, educational programming, and leadership development, she partners with teams across DPL to integrate equity-centered principles into daily operations and long-term strategy. nswade@denverlibrary.org

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