The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Simmons University to present a series of Leadership & Management Conversations. From October through December, we will have a Simmons University professor present a current topic important to libraries. Similar to our Community Chats, there will be time to discuss with the presenter and other attendees the successes, challenges, and questions around the topic. While of specific interest to those in leadership and manager positions, this series is open to all MLS libraries staff. A recording of each session will be made available after the live meeting.

Students from underrepresented groups use various resources and services in academic libraries, but are there ways to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment?  In this session, we will discuss what draws African American undergraduates and undergraduate women in STEM to academic libraries, what deters them from using academic libraries, and some suggestions to increase inclusivity in academic libraries. 

Presenter Bio - Rebecca Davis

Rebecca Davis is Assistant Professor at Simmons. Her areas of research include undergraduate women in the STEM fields and their use of academic library services and resources and diversity in academic libraries. Before joining the faculty at Simmons University, she worked as an Information Services Librarian in the Jennifer Ann Wilson Dental Library at the University of Southern California.

Rebecca received a BA in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MS in library science from the University of Kentucky and a PhD in communication and information from the University of Tennessee. Before entering the doctoral program, she worked as a library technician in the G.R. Little Library at Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where she is from originally.