Phenomena of Cultural Intelligence in Pennsylvania Libraries: A Research Study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/palrap.2020.221

Abstract

This article describes a mixed methods research study of current Pennsylvania librarians to understand the phenomena of cultural intelligence within Pennsylvania libraries. The researcher surveyed Pennsylvania Library Association membership in September 2019. Survey participants took a cultural intelligence assessment, responded to qualitative questions, and addressed demographic questions. Overall, participants had varying levels of cultural intelligence, felt that cultural intelligence was important to their organizations and found value in its application. The results can inform library professionals and human resources about the importance of incorporation of cultural intelligence within everyday practices and communication with staff within libraries. Developing cultural intelligence through training and other activities will also impact the communities in which we serve. Best practices with cultural intelligence should be recorded and shared with other Pennsylvania libraries.

Author Biography

Michele A. L. Villagran, San Jose State University

Dr. Michele A. L. Villagran is an accomplished educator, innovative speaker, entrepreneur, consultant, cultural intelligence and diversity & inclusion expert with over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Dr. Villagran serves as CEO of CulturalCo, LLC consulting in areas of cultural competency, diversity & inclusion, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Villagran is an assistant professor with San José State University School of Information where her research focuses on diversity and social justice in library and information science and cultural intelligence phenomena within libraries. She also serves as CEO of CulturalCo, LLC consulting in areas of cultural competency, diversity & inclusion, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Villagran is an advanced certified cultural intelligence and unconscious bias facilitator through the Cultural Intelligence Center, and Conflicts Dynamic Profile consultant. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, her Masters of Dispute Resolution and Certificate of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University. At the University of North Texas, Dr. Villagran completed her M.L.S. degree in Legal Informatics and her M.B.A. in Strategic Management.

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Published

2020-06-05

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Research