Decolonising DMU: Reflections on Changes, Challenges and Impact with an Eye toward the Future

Date

2023-11-28

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

1361-4533
1740-7834

Volume Title

Publisher

Taylor and Francis

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

Based at De Montfort University, Decolonising DMU is a strategic initiative working to create an anti-racist institution where all can achieve. Growing from DMU’s Freedom to Achieve project Decolonising DMU extends anti-racist work across the structure and composition of the institution, moving away from a sole focus on the curriculum. The Library has played a core role within both of these projects working with staff and students to gain better representation in library collections, facilitating library work experience to enhance staff and professional diversity, working with academics to decolonise reading lists, enabling changes in pedagogical practice and to raise awareness of issues and the lived experience of people of colour. This ultimately leads to changes in practice to enable a better sense of belonging and visibility for students of colour which in turn leads to more successful engagement and student retention. The article provides examples of actions, challenges and ways forward, with specific reference to Library and Learning Services. Reflections on the complex and evolving nature of this work are made alongside the implications for the student and staff experience plus service and collection development. This work reinforces the critical importance and impact of the decolonising H E movement on academic libraries and student success.o abstract provided

Description

open access article

Keywords

SOCIAL SCIENCES, awarding gap, anti-racism, library collections, library spaces, student roles

Citation

Towlson, K. (2023) Decolonising DMU: Reflections on Changes, Challenges and Impact with an Eye toward the Future. New Review of Academic Librarianship,

Rights

Research Institute