1. For two recent definitions, see DeEtta Jones, “The Definition of Diversity: Two Views. A More Inclusive Definition,” Journal of Library Administration 27 (1999): 5–15; Lorna Peterson, “The Definition of Diversity: Two Views. A More Specific Definition,” Journal of Library Administration 27 (1999): 17–26. The “inclusive” view includes race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and personal characteristics including such things as learning style, religious affiliation, and geographic background. The “more specific” view focuses more on race and ethnicity, in general, and particularly on equity issues concerning African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, and U.S. Latinos.
2. Jennifer Cheeseman Day, Population Projections of the United States by Age, Sex, Race, and Hispanic Origin: 1995 to 2050, Current Population Reports, P25–1130 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996), p. 1.
3. Deborah M. LaFond, Mary K. Van Ullen, & Richard D. Irving, “Diversity in Collection Development: Comparing Access Strategies to Alternative Press Periodicals,” College & Research Libraries 61 (March 2000): 136–144.
4. The term, “African American” suggests cultural, historical, and geographical specificities relevant to African American experiences in the United States. Similarly, the collective terms “Latino” or “U.S. Latino” include Chicanos (Mexican Americans), Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and other individuals of Latin American descent born and/or now living in the United States. The author recognizes that these terms and definitions may not be accepted or utilized by everyone.
5. Roberto G. Trujillo & David C. Weber, “Academic Library Responses to Cultural Diversity: A Position Paper for the 1990s,” Journal of Academic Librarianship 17 (July 1991): 157–161.