Growing a Diverse Workforce in the Library and Information Science Professions. ERIC Digest.

The number of minority graduates from accredited graduate library and information science programs has increased in the decade from 1984-85 to 1994-95. However, the percentage of minority graduates of total graduates is small, increasing from 6.79 percent minority graduation in 1984-85 to 10.01 percent minority graduation in 1994-95. The library and information science profession's gain is not enough to bring minority representation in the profession to a parity level for individual minority groups. Common themes used by library and information science programs that are successful in recruiting minorities include: faculty from ethnic or minority groups; active multicultural participation; financial support; partnerships with specific libraries; targeted recruitment strategies; and creative delivery of classes. National and state library associations need to provide leadership in diversity initiatives aimed at recruitment, retention, and promotion. All library professionals need to encourage and promote the profession to the minority support staff in their libraries and to the minority students in their communities who are making career choices. Personal outreach and mentoring, though time-consuming, may sometimes be the only way to identify and reach specially qualified and interested individuals. Includes a reading list of key citations on minority recruitment and diversity issues since 1993. (Contains 25 references.) (SWC)