Equal opportunities at KIB

On behalf of KI's president, the library director is responsible for ensuring that a goal-driven diversity, equity and inclusion program is integrated into all University Library activities. 

KIB's 2021 action plan for equal opportunity includes goals that KIB will work with systematically throughout the year. Different areas of operation within KIB are in turn responsible for ensuring that an equal opportunity perspective characterises all library services and conduct. 

Equal opportunities from a user perspective

KIB has for many years integrated a user perspective into its operations as well as into the services it provides users.

Web

KIB wants as many people as possible to be able to use the library's website, regardless of ability. Usability and digital accessibility are important in all the library's services. We always involve users in the development process.

Premises

The goal is that the library's premises should be easily accessible to all users. During renovations, user surveys were conducted both on campus and via social media. Student focus groups were invited to participate in planning meetings to ensure that the study environments at the library were adapted to different needs. Creating a light and airy work environment with good ventilation was a high-priority goal in the latest renovation.

A light and airy atmosphere was created by using lower bookshelves and by spacing out the shelves; this also ensured that the books became more accessible. All book collections are now on the same floor (both in Solna and in Flemingsberg), which is also where the staff is located. This makes it easy to ask for help when needed.

The library's premises are divided into different zones where users can choose between a completely silent, low-key or more social study environment. Clear and consistent signage is important and to the extent it is possible the library's signs use both Swedish and English-language texts.

The collection for equal opportunities

In order to give KIB's students and researchers the opportunity to easily incorporate equal opportunity perspectives into their work, KIB's collection includes a sample of books focused on norm criticism. The collection includes academic literature, theories, methods, history, ideologies and research focused on norm criticism. All material is relevant to KI's mission. Topics covered by the collection include feminism, queer and transactivism, LGBTQI +, norm criticism, POC (People of Color), ethnicity, racism, disabilities and mental health.

Reading and writing difficulties

Everyone has the right to study at the university on equal terms. You can read more about the support KIB offers on the page Reading and writing difficulties.

Conduct

We want to ensure everyone is met with respect and equality, whether that meeting takes place in person or online. KIB has therefore stated that it must treat everyone differently based on the individualized needs of the user.

There are several ways to contact KIB: by visiting our physical premises, or via email, chat or by phone. You can also receive a consultation on various library-related topics, both digitally and in person, depending on what suits you best.