Inclusive Collections

The Library and Learning Services works to ensure our collections, systems, services and spaces support an inclusive, equitable and accessible learning and research environment.

Our Approach to Collections

The University of Leicester is committed to inclusive and research-inspired education, and our collections are built to reflect this.

We aim to ensure that all students and staff can engage with a diverse range of perspectives, sources and voices, and feel represented in the materials and environments we provide.

We aim to support an environment where all users can engage critically with collections, while also feeling recognised, respected and included.

We are committed to:

• Transparency: acknowledging the context in which collections have developed, including gaps or imbalances
• Critical engagement: supporting users to question, evaluate and interpret sources
• Responsible description: improving metadata and catalogue records to use respectful, accurate and inclusive language
• Contextualisation: providing information where materials may contain outdated, offensive or challenging content
• Continuous improvement: working with sector partners and internal stakeholders to review and enhance our practices

Inclusive collections development

• The purchase of individual items and collections that support the inclusive curriculum.
• Support under represented voices through our Represent collections
• Diversifying reading and resource lists: working with academic colleagues to broaden representation and perspectives in taught materials
• Gifts Policy (inclusive collections): ensuring donations support the development of inclusive and representative collections
• Diversify your searching learning resource integrating guidance on how to find diverse resources
• Content notices in Library Search and discovery platforms providing contextual information to support engagement with sensitive or potentially challenging content
• Metadata improvements: contributing to sector-led and local changes to improve the language, description and accessibility of catalogue records
• Adding diverse and inclusive open access content to our discovery system

How we describe and present our collections

We recognise that library collections are shaped by historical, cultural and structural factors that have influenced what is published, preserved and prioritised. This means that collections may reflect inequalities or biases present within wider systems of knowledge production.

• We endorse and apply the Cataloguing code of ethics and engage with the wider library community to ensure that the shared metadata descriptive language that appears in our discovery system Library search is improved to reflect the values of inclusivity. Where possible our staff update this descriptive metadata where it contains outdated, offensive, or harmful vocabulary.
• We do not remove, censor, or restrict access to these items so that they provide a basis for critical learning and research. Engagement with such material can be an aspect of study at university.
• We strive to provide a wide range of materials that represent a variety of viewpoints, and we encourage our users to engage in respectful and open-minded dialogue. The Library does not endorse the views of any harmful or offensive material, and we are committed to creating inclusive and diverse collections and a welcoming library environment.

When using Library search you may discover some items which contain offensive or harmful language or content. If you encounter specific items in our collections which cause you distress or concern you can tell us about them. If you are affected by any issues support is available from University Wellbeing, the Students Union, and there is guidance on Secondary Stress for Research.

If you have any further questions about this policy or any items in our collections, please tell us.