Macomb Community College Libraries awarded the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity award
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 09:00 AM
Macomb Community College Libraries awarded the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity award
Macomb Community College was honored with the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) award by Insight Into Diversity magazine. The LEAD award honors academic library programs, policies and initiatives that encourage and support diversity, equity and inclusion across their campus and surrounding community. These include research, technology, exhibitions and community outreach. Macomb was one of only five community colleges recognized by the award, alongside 51 four-year colleges and universities.
“We believe a library is a place of free thinking, free from bias and other influence,” said Cassandra Swiderski, collections and resources librarian, Macomb Community College. “Equitable access to our programs is a critical part of our focus.”
Among the initiatives that make Macomb stand out is the college’s library-led Macomb Multicultural International Initiatives (MMII), which is entering its 20th year. It is a robust program of diverse offerings encompassing a diversity spectrum spanning 18 areas of concentration and includes an in-house, faculty-led study abroad program.
Those who participate in MMII can earn a certificate of cultural competency granted by the college that acknowledges their work in expanding their cultural awareness and sensitivity related to contemporary social issues.
Macomb, along with the other LEAD award recipients, will be featured in the March 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.
Media contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu