Belonging and Engagement Committee Membership Guidelines
The Libraries Belonging & Engagement Committee is actively seeking new members; we are always searching for new ideas to embody our mission on campus and beyond.
Our committee advances the University’s strategic vision by fostering a welcoming environment within the University Libraries. We enrich our library through programs and building partnerships with groups on campus and in the wider community.
About Us: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Libraries are committed to recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make people and communities unique. The UT Libraries puts this concept into action by intentionally creating and sustaining welcoming environments, fostering partnerships, facilitating conversations, and modeling behaviors that promote and celebrate individual and collective achievement.
Our Mission: We strive to provide excellent services, access to information, and outreach to our community of users regardless of: age; cognitive style; culture; ability; economic background; education; ethnicity; gender identity; geographic background; immigration and asylum-seeking status; marital status; physical appearance; political affiliation; race; religious beliefs; sexual orientation. The UT libraries is committed to providing spaces for our community of users to connect, collaborate, and learn inside and outside of the classroom.
Expectations: Members are expected to attend regularly scheduled monthly meetings. Additionally, committee members will be requested to attend subcommittee meetings in support of special projects and/or new initiatives. We expect members to be willing to grapple with or confront or address uncomfortable topics.
New member appointees will reflect a balance and broad representation of individuals from various UT Libraries branches, various campus units, staff and faculty.
Members will be appointed by the Dean based on recommendations from the BE Committee
Committee appointments will be for a minimum of two years (Members are welcome to remain on the committee for longer if they desire.)
Procedures for Membership Selection:
The committee will review and make recommendations to the Dean. New members will join the committee as soon as they are appointed.
Adopted by the UT Libraries’ BE Committee May 16, 2002.