Careers and under-represented groups

Can you recommend any resources to help people in historically under-represented groups begin careers in special collections?

The RBMS Diversity Committee exists to encourage members of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to join the profession and participate in RBMS. The committee sponsors programs and seminars on collecting materials related to racial and ethnic groups and provides outreach to patrons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Some of the resources developed by the committee include:

• RBMS Diversity Toolkit
  An online guide for RBMS members and library professionals who wish to make presentations about careers in special collections librarianship to students and paraprofessional staff, particularly those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
• Preserving Culture as a Career: Becoming a Special Collections Librarian
  A handout for people considering a career in special collections.

See also, the RBMS Diversity Action Plan for additional information on the efforts of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section to promote diversity in the profession.