COSLA believes the highest quality of library services should be available and accessible to all people within each state and U.S. territory. We understand that systemic discrimination exists today within the library profession. We acknowledge that past and present inequity exclude many from the wide range of benefits provided by libraries.

Eliminating exclusions to universal, equitable library services demands the recognition, understanding and prioritization of the history, perspectives, and aspirations of all people. The “all” includes, and is not limited to, people of every racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, economic, educational, geographic, and disability status.

To ensure our values of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are made a reality throughout the library professions, COSLA is committed to taking realistic but impactful steps toward the full incorporation of EDI principles in membership and business practices, industry leadership, program development, organizational culture, assessment, and accountability.

COSLA’s mission is to provide leadership on issues of common concern and national interest, to further state library agency relationships with the federal government and national organizations, and to initiate, maintain, and support cooperative action for the improvement of library services. We will only be able to achieve this mission with sincere, coordinated, and intentional actions and accountability to directly challenge and counteract the pervasive inequities which are inherent to American culture, the library profession, and our organization. 
COSLA NCXT EDI Report - January 2021