History and Purpose
In 1985, then-AALL Vice President/President-Elect Robert Berring appointed a special committee to launch AALL's efforts to improve minority recruitment and involvement. Members of the Special Committee included William James, Chair; Judy Dimes-Smith; Arturo Flores; Dwight King; Jenni Parrish and Mary Vela-Creixall. In 1987, the Committee was accorded permanent standing committee status.
In 1994, by Executive Board resolution, the Committee's name was changed from the Committee on Minorities to the Committee on Diversity. The Committee is charged with:
- Recruitment at library schools.
- Development of a post-MLS Minority Internship Program.
- Development of recruitment information.
- Creation of liaisons with similarly focused groups in peer organizations.