Universal design creates equity and inclusion: Moving from theory to practice

There is a billboard that visually shouts “Unsee this!” at drivers along highways, enticing businesses to rent billboard space, suggesting that some things, once seen, cannot be unseen. Once researchers, practitioners, and students “see” inclusion as core to their field, workplace, and daily life, it is difficult to “unsee,” these basic principles in practice. Librarians have an opportunity – and a responsibility – to ensure that these principles and practices of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) lead our work. This article discusses universal access and design as approaches for helping to ensure EDI in libraries, including EDI in technology purchases and implementation.