Diversity, inclusion, community, and equity are the keys that strengthen the vibrancy of the Special Libraries Association.
The Special Libraries Association’s (SLA) goal is to ensure that members, volunteer leaders, industry partners, and staff are aware of and recognize diversity, community, inclusion, and equity issues, and to ensure SLA behavior reflects the diversity of the profession and of those we serve at our organizations. SLA promotes diversity, inclusion, community and equity in association activities and addresses issues related, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, national origin, veteran status, social economic class, religion, and professional status. If you an SLA member, we encourage you to participate in the Diversity, Inclusion, Community, Equity (DICE) Caucus. If you aren’t an SLA Member, join us and the conversation within the DICE Caucus.
SLA is committed to making the annual conference accessible to the broadest range of people as possible. SLA works to hold meetings, events, conferences, and professional gatherings where physical and communication barriers do not exclude people with disabilities from attending and participating.
SLA has a Professional Ethics Guidelines, which promotes the professional welfare of its members and the organizations and people they serve and fosters the global progress of the knowledge society. In an environment where concepts and practices of ethics and service continue to extend and expand, SLA members strive to implement and promote guidelines for the ethical and appropriate use of information and knowledge. Fundamental to these guidelines is the recognition that there are different kinds of information and knowledge, such as personally identifiable, proprietary, or classified information or public information pertaining to the actions of government. Also fundamental is a respect for a diversity of viewpoints, for cultural differences and for civil discourse.
Appropriate Conduct at SLA Conferences, Events & Meetings
To provide all participants —members, other attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, staff, and volunteers—the opportunity to benefit from the conference, SLA is committed to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, physical appearance, ethnicity, religion, or other group identity. Review our Anti-Harassment Policy (Code of Conduct).
Accessible Presentations: SLA encourages all speakers to make their presentations accessible to the best of their abilities for all attendees.
ADA or Special Requests: There is a section of the online registration and print registration forms where you can list any ADA or special needs. Please email learning@sla.org if you have any questions. All ADA and special needs requests must be received by September 3, 2020.
Anti-Harassment Policy (Code of Conduct): SLA is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Review our Virtual Events Code of Conduct. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any conference venue, including sessions and networking events. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference (without a refund) at the discretion of the conference organizers. Review our anti-harassment policy (code of conduct).
Diversity Programming: SLA supports an inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives are recognized, respected, and seen as a source of strength. Diversity, equity, community, accessibility, and inclusion in all aspects of programming are vital to the future viability, relevance, and sustainability of the profession.
Gender Identity: People identify on a broad spectrum of gender identities, including male, female, non-binary, and more. It is important to remember that gender identity is not visible. It is an internal sense of one’s own gender.