EDI-NJ Institutional Assessment Pilot Project

Purpose of the EDI-NJ Institutional Assessment Pilot Project:

In May 2025, the EDI-NJ Institutional Assessment Tool was launched to help libraries deepen their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all areas of practice–from collections and community programs to leadership and workforce development.

The next phase of this initiative, the EDI-NJ Institutional Assessment Pilot Project, will engage ten libraries in piloting the tool to:

• Provide structured support for libraries ready to begin or deepen their equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) journeys by strengthening systemwide understanding of EDI principles and offering individualized consulting to help interpret and act on assessment results.
• Continue beta testing the assessment to ensure its utility, accessibility, and relevance across libraries of varying types, sizes, scopes, and community contexts.
• Gather and analyze data on library needs, capacity, and barriers to equitable practice to inform the broader EDI Strategic Roadmap for New Jersey Libraries Project.
• Serve as a case study that models collaborative, reflective, and action-oriented approaches to advancing organizational equity and provides a framework that can be replicated in other states.
• Build statewide capacity for sustainable, equity-centered transformation in library operations, services, and culture.

What you can expect to gain:

• Participation in the pilot is free and includes up to four hours of one-on-one consulting with an EDI expert to interpret assessment results and develop actionable strategies.
• Opportunities to participate in collaborative learning and connect with libraries across the state to share lessons, strategies, and support.
• A deeper understanding of organizational strengths, growth areas, and concrete next steps for advancing EDI.
• Recognition as part of a statewide pilot cohort informing the next phase of the EDI Strategic Roadmap for New Jersey Libraries Project.

What we’ll ask from you:

• Designate a pilot lead (and small team) to coordinate participation.
• Participate in an onboarding meeting with the EDI consultant.
• Collaboratively complete the full EDI-NJ Institutional Assessment Tool within the pilot timeframe.
• Take part in guided debriefing and reflection.
• Develop an EDI action plan.
• Participate in the evaluation of the tool and pilot project.
• Engage in collective reflection and sharing.

Eligibility & Selection:

We welcome applications from public, academic, school, and special libraries across New Jersey that are:

• Committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in their organization.
• Willing to engage in reflection, honest dialogue, and collaborative, data-informed learning and planning.
• Able to dedicate a small internal team (3-5 staff members) and allocate staff time for meetings, assessment completion, and follow-up discussions.
• Supported by leadership in participating fully in the pilot timeline.

Priority may be given to libraries that have not yet had structured EDI support but demonstrate readiness and enthusiasm to begin, or to libraries with emerging or promising EDI initiatives seeking to deepen and formalize their approach. Cohort selection will ensure representation across library types, sizes, and regions to capture diverse perspectives and community contexts to inform the statewide creation and implementation of the tools.

Project Timeline:

How to Apply:

You must first review the project details and timeline outlined on this project information page. Then, complete the online application form if your library agrees to:

• The fact that your library leadership is aware of and supportive of your library’s participation in this project
• Complete all core pilot activities (orientation, assessment, consulting sessions, action planning, feedback).
• Provide constructive feedback to support the statewide refinement of the assessment tool.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing sessions to contribute to the collective learning of New Jersey libraries.