Libraries for Belonging: empowering Monash University Library staff

In 2024, Monash University Library launched its Libraries for Belonging program, which builds on its longstanding role in supporting the University's goals of fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging. Research shows that students who feel a strong sense of belonging are not only more engaged and have better mental health outcomes but are also more successful academically. Having a sense of belonging has also been shown to be particularly important for international students and student retention. As part of the initiative, the Monash Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team worked with the Library to develop a Library EDI Action Plan aligned with the institutional EDI Enabling Plan and Framework. The Library will address intersectional inequities through this plan by creating safe and accessible spaces and resources. Many university libraries operate unstaffed libraries outside of core business hours. Monash University has a point of difference in staffing our six Australian libraries for the full range of opening hours to provide safe, secure and welcoming spaces. The Library’s evening and weekend staff are Library Experience Assistants, half of whom are Monash students or students at other institutions, offering peer perspectives and providing valuable employment opportunities to Monash students. The team brings to the role a range of lived experiences. They also undertake ongoing learning (e.g. LGBTQIA+ allyship, Mental Health First Aid) to have the knowledge and skills to understand and build genuine connections with our diverse community and be ready to assist students at points of stress. This paper will discuss the Library’s learnings from embedding equity, diversity and inclusion in our daily work with our students and the challenging and empowering journey it has been for our team.