Kennesaw State University Libraries Recruitment and Retention Task Force Receives Equality Award

CHICAGO — The Kennesaw State University (KSU) Libraries Recruitment and Retention Task Force, GA along with Karen Doster-Greenleaf and Kristina Clement, named Winner of 2025 ALA Equality Award.

The Kennesaw State University Libraries Recruitment and Retention Task Force along with Karen Doster-Greenleaf and Kristina Clement were chosen by the award jury to receive the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) Equality Award. The award of $1000 and a framed citation will be presented on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia PA.

Their work not only highlights the importance of equity in librarianship but also serves as a model for other institutions striving to create more inclusive environments.

“As an organization committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, we recognize the profound impact that Karen Doster-Greenleaf and Kristina Clement have had on our practices and culture,” said Ashley Depuy, Interim Associate University Librarian at KSU Libraries. “For these reasons, I wholeheartedly support the nomination of Karen Doster-Greenleaf and Kristina Clement for the ALA Equality Award. Their efforts have transformed not only how we hire but also how we welcome and retain talent in our organization. Their work is an exemplary demonstration of what it means to advance equity in the field of librarianship, and I can think of no more deserving recipients of this prestigious honor.”

The KSU Libraries Recruitment and Retention Task Force has shown a strong, ongoing commitment to making library hiring fairer and more transparent. By addressing biases and creating equitable hiring practices, they have helped build a more inclusive academic library workforce. Their efforts have not only improved KSU Libraries but also set a model that can inspire change nationwide. Stephanie Ard shared their experience, noting, “The chair of the hiring committee was also considerate of my personal needs, asking me about my accessibility and dietary requirements, advising me to bring snacks and water with me, and providing an office where I could secure my belongings and take breaks throughout the day." This thoughtful approach reflects the Task Force’s commitment to ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all candidates.

While KSU’s initiative, which focuses on increasing diversity in hiring and fostering an inclusive workplace—are highly valuable, the KSU Task Force’s work directly tackles structural inequities in recruitment and retention. This makes them especially deserving of this recognition, as their efforts promote lasting change in the profession. Hannah Wang shared, “My involvement in the Recruitment and Retention Task Force allowed me to contribute to this vision by helping ensure new employees feel welcomed, informed, and prepared to succeed—and then I got to benefit from my contribution to the task force! Having clear guidelines that both managers and employees can follow makes onboarding simpler, more thorough, and more efficient. I am passionate about continuing to improve these processes to support new team members and foster a culture of collaboration and shared success.” This personal experience underscores the direct, positive impact the Task Force’s work has on both individuals and the larger organization.

The KSU Libraries Recruitment and Retention Task Force has created not only a better hiring and onboarding process but also an adaptable framework that other libraries can replicate. Their hiring guide—currently an internal LibGuide—ensures that these principles remain an enduring part of the institution’s hiring culture and establishes an applicable example for other libraries.

The Equality Award, sponsored by Bloomsbury is awarded annually, in recognition of achievement for outstanding contribution toward promoting equality in the library profession, either by a sustained contribution or a single outstanding accomplishment. The award may be given for an activist or scholarly contribution in such areas as pay equity, affirmative action, legislative work and non-sexist education.

Jury members for the 2025 Equality Award include Kristin Buxton, Head of Science Liaisons, University of Oregon, Arlene Laverde, Queens College/Townsend Harris High School Library, New York, NY, Destinee Sutton, Children’s Librarian, King County Library System, WA, Dora Ho, Retired Young Adult Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library, CA, Chair.

More information about the Equality Award, including how to submit a nomination, is available on the ALA website (www.ala.org).

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.