Heights Libraries Launch Diversity Audit Groups

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Heights Libraries are launching confidential focus groups as part of a diversity, equity and inclusion audit.

Due to the threat of COVID-19, the focus groups will be held via Zoom and not in person.

Library officials said they want input from customers who may have had frustrating experiences.

“If we really want to ensure we are serving our community fairly and equitably, we first need to understand what people’s experience with us has been like,” said Heights Libraries Director Nancy Levin. “We want to hear the good, the bad and the ugly.”

Each audit group will be limited in size, so participants are asked to register online. Representatives from Compass Consulting will then contact participants with more information and instructions.

The audit groups are the latest extension of an Anti-Racism task force started by the libraries in 2018. Since that task force began, staff members have gone through hours-long trainings and a two-day retreat on diversity. All of these activities took place prior to COVID-19 and before the Heights Libraries underwent budget cuts.

Following the trainings, management decided to conduct internal and external audits.