Indicators of openness

How well the library knows the community

In order to effectively remove barriers to inclusion, the CULC/CBUC Social Inclusion Audit asserts that a library will use participatory, strategies to uphold and reinforce the principles of access, equity and thus social inclusion for all.

As a first course of action, social inclusion work requires that the library is open to understanding and engaging with their community, and challenging the various barriers, values and behaviours that lead to exclusion. This work is reflected in the questions in the audit and in this toolkit that focus on the “Indicator of Openness.”

Social Inclusion Indicator Matrix

The matrix below demonstrates:
  • the connection between the indicators and the criteria for the removal of barriers to inclusion, and
  • the scope and priority of the work required to effectively assess – and ensure – inclusion.
Social Inclusion Criteria: Indicator
Social inclusion is the manner in which institutions:
  • are open to understanding and engaging in their communities;
  • Openness
  • Intentional
  • explore, view, and challenge barriers, values, and behaviours;
  • Openness
  • Intentional
  • develop, implement, and evaluate systems, programs, policies, and procedures;
  • Intentional
  • provide equitable access to services and decision making opportunities;
  • Intentional
  • Inclusion
  • demonstrate the level of inclusion through tangible outcomes.
  • Inclusion
As evidenced by the chart, it is critical to ensure that the areas covered by the Indicator of Openness are examined and implemented effectively so that effort to remove barriers to inclusion start with the careful examination of how well the library knows, engages and consults with the target community group(s).