<div dir="ltr"><span id="m_-1584932344307622242gmail-docs-internal-guid-3063a2f1-7fff-e262-6782-12a63f54b2f4"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dear OLA Colleagues, </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I am writing in response to the conversation surrounding the Oregon Library Association Quarterly (OLAQ) Summer issue, 25(2).  I understand the concerns Max Macias, Meredith Farkas, and others have expressed about the final article in the issue, “Yes, but … One Librarian’s Thoughts About Doing It Right” and agree with the valid criticism that the OLAQ editorial standards need to be strengthened. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">As the guest editor of this issue, I take responsibility for choosing the theme, reviewing proposals, selecting contributors, and reading the first draft of the authors' submissions before passing them on to the editorial team.  My goal is to provide a forum for a variety of voices on the topic of equity, diversity and inclusion in Oregon libraries, including library type, career experience, and geographic location within the state.  I missed my responsibility to more critically reflect on the article by Heather McNeil and engage the author in an editorial conversation, particularly in relation to her commentary on Dr. Debbie Reese’s 2018 May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture, </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-style:italic;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">An Indigenous Critique of Whiteness in Children’s Literature</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">.  I am sorry for the impact and distress it has caused.  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I want to thank Meredith Farkas for her letter to the OLAQ editorial board, which has provided an opportunity for critical reflection which will strengthen the OLAQ, one of OLA’s most important venues for professional discourse.  Yes, the editorial team of the OLAQ needs to better develop the journal’s editorial standards and are already beginning to address them.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The conversations we are having surrounding equity, diversity, and inclusion are challenging and necessary. The Oregon Library Association has much to learn as an organization and understands open dialogue and constructive criticism help OLA grow as an association.  I look forward to our continuing dialogue on equity, diversity, and inclusion.  </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Sincerely,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Elaine Hirsch</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">OLAQ 25(2) Guest Editor</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:bas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