Evaluation of Agency's Diversity Responses
Discussion and Evaluation
Application of the Mehra and Davis's (2015) Strategic Diversity Management Framework to the Walton-DeFuniak Library identifies gaps remain within systematic evaluation, outreach, and inclusive policy planning. While the library offers digital services and mobile outreach programs (Words on Wheels), it lacks strategy documents or diversity/accessibility committees that reflect commitment to this specific population.
Regarding communication and policy, there is a lack of publicly articulated goals around transportation equity. Cooke (2017) emphasizes the necessity of internal diversity representation to drive inclusive practices. In alignment, the library could benefit from a formalized accessibility team or advisory group representing rural, elderly, and transportation-limited populations. This would enhance planning and ensure long-term responsiveness.
From a services and outreach perspective, practices such as community story times and digital lending are considered strengths. Evaluation tools like user surveys (Real, Bertot, & Jaeger, 2017) or impact assessments (Lenstra & Oguz, 2022) are not currently visible when evaluating the library, leaving the effectiveness of those programs uncertain. Collaboration with GoWal transit or senior centers could improve access by aligning library programming with public transit routes or providing mobile services.
Conclusion
The Walton-DeFuniak Library’s parent organization (Walton County Library System) demonstrates foundational commitment to equity through its mission, but greater strategic alignment with inclusion benchmarks—like those offered by Mehra & Davis (2015)—is needed. Success should be measured not just by circulation, but by service reach and accessibility for those without transportation. Introducing mobile tech help, targeted collections, strategic policy documents, and formal assessments could transform the library into a more inclusive, equitable anchor institution for the community.
References
Mehra, B., & Davis, D. (2015). Library and Information Science Professionals as Community Action Researchers: Bringing Class, Race, and Gender into the LIS Project. Library Trends, 64(2), 309–342.
Cooke, N. A. (2017). Information Services to Diverse Populations. Libraries Unlimited.
Real, B., Bertot, J. C., & Jaeger, P. T. (2017). Rural Public Libraries and Digital Inclusion. Information Technology and Libraries, 36(1), 35–47.
Lenstra, N., & Oguz, F. (2022). Understanding transportation access as a barrier to public library use: Findings from a mixed-methods study. Journal of Library Administration, 62(3), 289–306.