DEI Profile: Amy Brandt - Faculty Librarian, TTC

Describe your efforts as they relate to the college's DEI strategic plan.
Education is a major focus of the college's DEI strategic plan, and I am intentional about educating myself about DEI and incorporating what I've learned into my work. I also enjoy sharing what I'm learning with colleagues, and often send emails that link to "an article/book I thought you might find interesting." I try to think creatively about how the Libraries can include the entire campus community, whether it's through collaborative programming or diverse book purchases or accessible videos and research guides.

What about the college's DEI strategic plan inspires your work?
I am inspired by the work toward greater awareness of equity and inclusion, and feel that the Libraries have an important role to play. Students come to Kalamazoo Valley with diverse experiences that are often the result of inequities in our educational systems. Often, students haven't had the opportunity to use library resources or learn how to do research. I work with faculty to incorporate library services and information literacy into classes such as EDU 104 or ENG 110, so that students have access to resources and skills that will benefit them both academically and personally. I also build partnerships with student success services such as KVAAP, Kalamazoo Promise, and the Office of Student Life, so that I can introduce students - who may not have experienced library instruction - to the benefits of library resources.

What does using the "lens of DEI" mean to you in your work?
"Lens" is such an apt word, because I do try to see library spaces, programs and services through students' eyes. Our students represent diverse cultures and identities, and I hope that students see the library as welcoming and inclusive of their life experiences, whether that's in an information literacy session or in our book collections and displays.

Share any struggles or challenges you've faced in relation to DEI and how you've worked to overcome them
I care deeply about diversity, equity and inclusion, and welcome one-on-one conversations about opportunities and challenges in our community. However, speaking up in groups can be challenging; sometimes using DEI language feels awkward or imprecise, or I don't want to take the floor from people whose voices may often be marginalized. I realize though, that as a white woman, my silence might sometimes be misinterpreted as an unwillingness to engage with these important issues. I am being more intentional about adding my voice to larger conversations, when appropriate. Accepting the invitation to write this profile is one more way of speaking up.

Who inspires you?
I am inspired by members of my family who share their authentic selves every day, living in ways that might not always fit prevailing notions about gender or race or ability. They inspire me to build genuine relationships with others, which is my small part in creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community.