Skip to main content
Student homeNews home
Story
5 of 25

Library Again Wins National Award for Access and Diversity

The Cal State San Marcos University Library has received the 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. 

This marks the second year that Insight Into Diversity magazine has presented the LEAD Award, which honors academic libraries’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) across their campus. These include, but are not limited to, research, technology, accessibility, exhibitions and community outreach.  

The CSUSM library was honored for the second year in a row and will be featured, along with 33 other recipients, in the March 2025 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine. 

“The University Library is deeply honored to receive this recognition again because we believe that libraries are more than just places to access information – they are vital hubs where every member of our community feels seen, valued and empowered,” said Toni Olivas, the library’s interim co-dean for faculty and system affairs. “This acknowledgment reflects our ongoing efforts to celebrate diverse voices, foster inclusivity and create a welcoming space for everyone. Whether it’s through our multilingual collections, culturally rich programming or partnerships with community organizations, we are dedicated to breaking barriers and building connections.”

Insight Into Diversity magazine selected the CSUSM library because of its many diversity initiatives, including the infusion of DEI in its recently completed strategic plan; hiring a bilingual (Spanish and English) librarian to work with student families and the larger community; its support of underrepresented authors and researchers; art installations with DEI themes; and mandatory and valued DEI work in the librarian tenure process. 

“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion and access” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.” 

A call for nominations for this award was announced in October. 

Insight Into Diversity also annually hands out the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, which recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. CSUSM last fall received the HEED Award for the 11th consecutive year.  

For more information about the 2025 LEAD Award, visit insightintodiversity.com

Latest News Release