Instruction and Social Sciences Librarian Wheaton College Massachusetts Norton, Massachusetts
American libraries are deeply rooted in a viewpoint that exemplifies the white, cisgender, hetero-normative, able-bodied, and Judeo-Christian points of view as neutral; anything that falls outside of these boxes is more frequently than not, considered as ‘other’. This is reflected in the way we organize and catalog our collections, how we develop our collections and resources, how we teach information literacy concepts, the programming that we offer, and the way we allocate and promote our services and spaces. Transforming our libraries to be more inclusive is a necessary part of our process in creating an equitable environment for lifelong learners of all shapes, sizes, colors, abilities, and ideals.
A panel of speakers from different library types and areas of expertise will discuss projects or initiatives aimed at making their library more equitable. Speakers will highlight what worked and what didn't work and what they learned along the way. Attendees will come away from the presentation with an understanding of why decentering whiteness and other inclusive practices in libraries are important, ways to identify challenges to taking on this work in libraries and possible solutions to overcome them, as well as approaches that can be implemented at their own libraries.
Learning Objectives:
Describe why decentering whiteness and other inclusive practices in libraries are important.
Identify challenges to taking on this work in libraries and possible solutions to overcome them.
Strategize approaches that can be implemented at their own libraries.
