Code of Conduct

About

The Library Assessment Conference is committed to creating and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive experience for our community. The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and University of Washington Libraries embrace the full spectrum of human and social identities, including but not limited to, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender and gender identity and expression, sexuality, ability, veteran status, class, and religion. We aim to foster critical thinking and evidence-based arguments, and promote reasoned dialogue. We expect conference participants to help create thoughtful and respectful environments at all conference venues and related social events and in online communication spaces.

Expected Behaviors

The Library Assessment Conference is dedicated to providing collaborative and conference experiences that are free from all forms of harassment, and inclusive of all people. We suggest: listening as much as you speak and remembering that colleagues may have expertise you are unaware of; encouraging and yielding the floor to those whose viewpoints may be under-represented in a group; using welcoming language; accepting critique graciously and offering it constructively; giving credit where it is due; seeking concrete ways to make physical spaces and online resources more universally accessible; and staying alert to the welfare of those around you. Please be respectful and judicious in all forms of communication, especially online, where tone is harder to infer.

Inappropriate Behaviors

Harassment can include unwelcome or offensive verbal comments or nonverbal expressions related to: age; appearance or body size; employment or military status; ethnicity; gender identity or expression; individual lifestyles; marital status; national origin; physical or cognitive ability; political affiliation; sexual orientation; race; or religion. Harassment (including online) can also include use of sexual and/or discriminatory images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation; stalking; following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; bullying behavior; inappropriate physical contact; unwelcome sexual attention; and personal attacks.

Sexual, discriminatory, or potentially triggering language and imagery is generally inappropriate for any conference event. However, this policy is not intended to constrain responsible scholarly or professional discourse and debate. We welcome engagement with difficult topics, done with respect and care.

Reporting a Problem

Harassment in any form will not be tolerated. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or do not feel comfortable addressing the person directly, please contact an ARL staff person or conference co-chair (Nancy Turner or Steve Hiller), or email laconf@arl.org. On site, staff and steering committee members can be identified by the “Ask Me” signifier on their name badge. Staff will assist participants by contacting hotel security or local law enforcement, providing escorts, or otherwise helping those experiencing harassment to feel safe for the duration of the event.

To report harassment after the event, please email laconf@arl.org or contact the Association of Research Libraries by telephone: +1 202-296-2296.

All reports will be handled in confidence. Participants who are asked to stop harassing or intimidating behaviors are expected to comply immediately. Those who violate our code of conduct may be warned, sanctioned, or expelled at the discretion of the organizers. We value your presence and constructive participation in our community, and thank you for your attention to the comfort and safety of fellow collaborators and attendees.

This policy is available under a CC-BY-NC 4.0 license and was adapted from the Digital Library Federation Code of Conduct.