SCURL EDI Discussion Group
The SCURL EDI Discussion Group is open to all SCURL library staff and aims to facilitate discussions on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) topics to allow space for self-education and collaborative learning.
aims
Provide a safe, dedicated space for library staff to develop knowledge and raise awareness of EDI issues, both generally and within a library context. EDI topics include, but are not limited to, anti-racism, decolonisation, whiteness and systemic racism, transgender rights, intersectional feminism, and disability and accessibility.
Facilitate discussions to enable a community of practice to learn from colleagues across our diverse membership libraries.
Embed knowledge in our professional practice to advance change within our local teams and institutions, and the wider sector as a whole.
format
Sessions will be:
Held online on Zoom
Quarterly
1.5 hours (including a break)
Attendees are capped at 15 to ensure effective discussion
Dates of the forthcoming discussions are:
Monday 18th August 2025 3-4:30pm - Disability discussion
Thursday 20th November 2025 10-11:30pm - Decolonisation discussion
Monday 16th February 2026 3-4:30pm - Intersectional Feminism discussion
Thursday 21st May 2026 10-11:30pm - Trans Rights discussion
material
Facilitators will distribute material to be discussed at the sessions in advance. Material could include articles, book chapters, blogs, podcasts, videos and more. Variety and accessibility of material is important to ensure all learning and engagement needs of participants are considered.
If you are interested in joining the discussion group please fill the form linked below. We will then contact you with further details. Please make sure you have read the ground rules before signing up to the discussion group.
Due to limited spaces please let us know if you can’t make a session. We will keep a waiting list and if anyone drops out we can offer the space to someone else.
If you have any questions or need any further information you can contact us via email: scurledidiscussiongroup@gmail.com
Ground Rules
To help us conduct safe and effective discussions, the group operates according to the following Ground Rules. Please read the Ground Rules before signing up to the discussion group. The Ground Rules also include information about unacceptable behaviour.
Facilitators
Discussions will be moderated by trained facilitators. Their primary role is to guide discussions, foster inclusive dialogue, and ensure a supportive environment for participants. Their responsibilities include:
Prior to the session:
Planning and preparation: scheduling meetings, selecting discussion materials and ensuring access, and providing necessary information in advance of the meeting
During the session:
Facilitating discussion: maintaining focus on the topic while allowing for natural divergence, and ensuring equitable dialogue by encouraging participants to allow space for quieter voices to share
Monitoring group: ensuring ground rules are adhered to, supporting group cohesion, and maintaining a safe, respectful environment.
After the session:
A point of contact: can be contacted after (as well as before and during) the session for any questions, concerns or feedback
Facilitators are not experts in the material and are not there to provide a ‘correct’ or authoritative interpretation of the materials. Instead, they are stewards of the group who will help maintain balance between individual and group priorities.
Facilitators can be contacted prior, during or after the sessions either via email [LINK] or private Zoom message. This could be for clarification, to raise a concern, or report unacceptable behaviour.
RESOURCES
After the sessions material will be added to this resources section. If you are not able to join us, you can still read the material we have used.