ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the attractiveness of Library and Information Science (LIS) professions and programs to culturally and linguistically diverse individuals. Students and alumni from 57 North American LIS programs were surveyed about their learning experiences and perceptions of the state of diversity in LIS. The findings point to deep, emotive reflections on diversity in LIS. Noting the general societal turn toward values-based, integral diversity, this chapter proposes looking beyond the quantitative measures and paying attention to the volume of negative responses surrounding the diversity debate in our field. Making both philosophical and practical arguments, a three-tiered approach is advocated, which can contribute to nurturing the climate of diversity: outreach and promotion; recruitment and retention; and interpersonal and intercultural dialog that will not only sustain diversity but also transform diverse environments into healthy and vibrant places with transparent communication channels. The improvement of interpersonal relationships, human understanding and interpersonal communication is seen as a way to systemic change.
