Walter W. Stiern Library receives diversity award

California State University, Bakersfield's Walter W. Stiern Library has been recognized for its efforts to ensure its programming reflects the diversity of the campus community.

The library has received Insight Into Diversity Magazine's Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award. The award honors academic libraries that prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in its programs, policies and initiatives and foster a sense of belonging on campus.

The library will be recognized in the magazine's March 2025 issue.

"On behalf of the entire Insight Into Diversity LEAD award committee, our sincerest congratulations to your academic library and your entire institution on being recognized with this prestigious national honor," said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of the magazine. "This year's honorees truly are an inspiration to all of us who are working so diligently to make a difference in the lives of all individuals from underrepresented groups."

CSUB Dean of University Libraries Sandra Bozarth said this is the first time the library has applied for and received the LEAD Award. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she's excited to see the library be recognized for its efforts.

"Receiving this recognition truly underscores our efforts," Bozarth said. "Often, the library is perceived merely as a place to study or borrow books but an acknowledgment like this highlights our work and serves as a powerful reminder of our purpose here."

Bozarth said the library has strived to support all students by offering a diverse collection of materials and hosting events that celebrate their cultural backgrounds.

"We want to make the library and campus a place students want to be, a place where they see themselves being represented," she said. "We want to be welcoming and open to all types of people."

The Historical Research Center (HRC) in the library has also aimed to highlight marginalized groups through its exhibits. It opened an exhibitlast fall focusing on the history of housing discrimination in Kern County.

The center also provides exhibits that reflect the diversity of the wider community, such as its recent exhibithighlighting the county's large Basque community.

"We want to connect with our students and the community," Bozarth said. "Watching members of our community visit our exhibits and witnessing our connection to their culture and history is truly energizing. It's really a great feeling to know that it's appreciated, that they see the worth in it."

While Bozarth is satisfied with the programming the library has been able to offer, she believes there's always more that can be done to better serve students and the community.

"We can't get complacent and not continue to grow with our students," she said. "We want to make sure we're in touch with our students' needs, that we remain relevant."

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