Creating Inclusion from the Beginning: Touring Faculty Candidates in the Library

Abstract

It may be a small gesture, but collaborating with departmental search committees across campus to tour and introduce potential faculty candidates to the Texas A&M University Libraries can promote diversity, inclusion, trust, and reliability of scholarly research and faculty support at Texas A&M University. As a Humanities & Social Sciences Librarian who has toured several candidates in my liaison disciplines, I’ve found that establishing a rapport with potential candidates promotes better communication and one-on-one contact post-hire. The tour also allows the liaison to promote the resources currently on campus and to discuss support of these faculty candidates future research at the University Libraries. This outreach effort will examine the potential impact to support faculty research during the interview process and the promotion of scholarly resources before they sign the offer letter.