NMRT (New Members Round Table)

Hello NMRT Members!

The NMRT Online Programs Committee encourages your input on this month's topic!

Recent changes in policy have led to the elimination of DEI initiatives in the federal government.  Many state governments have also limited or eliminated diversity programs. Now that we are in February, it is officially Black History Month, a time that libraries typically celebrate with displays, programming, and special events.  Have recent changes in policy led to any shifts in the way that your library recognizes Black History Month or other heritage months?

Please share your responses, so we can help each other navigate this situation.

With kindest regards,

Sylvie

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Sylvie Daubar-San Juan
Learning Resources Librarian
Miami Dade College
She/Her/Hers
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Hello NMRT, I know it's a bit late, but since there isn't a March discussion post I figured I could just respond here to engage. 

Despite everything happening with DEI and some of the concerned chatter I have heard and read amongst the librarians I know, Black History Month seemed to just go on as usual with no real challenges or changes. For my library (and campus), I am the only one involved in setting up displays and events relating to month, so it was no problem for me and I received no concerned comments from anyone. In fact, when I was a little late setting up biographical flyers (which I did last year but got caught up in work this time), one of the Program Directors asked when I was going to get them up. 

As for the local public libraries (Centerville and Cincinnati, OH), I didn't see any difference between this year's and last years efforts, almost business as usual for displays, blogs, and book recommendations relating to Black History Month. I would say that it had more of an impact on discourse of librarians and coworkers, much like how the newest Executive Order has caused turmoil with its effects on the Institute of Museum and Library Services and related programs. 

Best,

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Brandon Rouzaud
Library Manager & Hybrid Coordinator
Fortis College, Centerville
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Hi Brandon,

Thank you so much for your post regarding February's discussion.  For March, our discussion was the tournament style March Madness: Convention Edition posts.

I appreciate your insight regarding the consistency you notice between last year's observation of Black History Month and this year's observation.  It sounds like visually, the libraries you mentioned continue to celebrate heritage months despite all of the DEI changes.  I work in a private 9-12 institution, and the observation of Black History Month and now Women's History Month continues there as well.  

I agree that a lot of the concern continues among the discourse of librarians.

With thanks,

Sylvie

NMRT Online Programs Committee Chair

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Sylvie Daubar-San Juan
Information Specialist
Gulliver Preparatory School
She/Her/Hers
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Original Message:
Sent: Mar 24, 2025 01:36 PM
From: Brandon Rouzaud
Subject: February Discussion - Heritage Months in 2025

Hello NMRT, I know it's a bit late, but since there isn't a March discussion post I figured I could just respond here to engage. 

Despite everything happening with DEI and some of the concerned chatter I have heard and read amongst the librarians I know, Black History Month seemed to just go on as usual with no real challenges or changes. For my library (and campus), I am the only one involved in setting up displays and events relating to month, so it was no problem for me and I received no concerned comments from anyone. In fact, when I was a little late setting up biographical flyers (which I did last year but got caught up in work this time), one of the Program Directors asked when I was going to get them up. 

As for the local public libraries (Centerville and Cincinnati, OH), I didn't see any difference between this year's and last years efforts, almost business as usual for displays, blogs, and book recommendations relating to Black History Month. I would say that it had more of an impact on discourse of librarians and coworkers, much like how the newest Executive Order has caused turmoil with its effects on the Institute of Museum and Library Services and related programs. 

Best,

------------------------------
Brandon Rouzaud
Library Manager & Hybrid Coordinator
Fortis College, Centerville
------------------------------