[Libs-Or] Diversity and Social Justice in Libraries - where next?

[Rick Samuelson]

Hi gang,

Perhaps we could have a Diversity Program Track at next year’s OLA Conference?

I’m sure each division/committee/round table/task force would have something unique to bring to the table.  I know I’m personally interested in learning more about the culture/gender socialization process that takes place in early childhood.  I’m sure our public library storytimes (for one) could benefit greatly from a more informed look into how young children form their culture/gender stereotypes.  Also, in case you haven’t seen it… there is a giant movement under way to nudge the children’s publishing world into depicting more cultural diversity: http://weneeddiversebooks.tumblr.com/

Great discussion.. and a huge thanks to Max for lighting the fire.

Best wishes,

Rick Samuelson, Youth Services Librarian
Washington County Cooperative Library Services
(503) 648-9785 x5#
From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Robert Schroeder
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2014 12:32 PM
To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Subject: [Libs-Or] Diversity and Social Justice in Libraries - where next?

Elizabeth Rivera was just asking if there were other places in Oregon to have these interesting and needed discussions. I'd suggest the OLA Conference for one. Perhaps folks could get some panels and presentations on topics that would take a look at our libraries form critical perspectives - I'm thinking here of critical theory, feminist theory, queer theory, critical race theory, or post-colonial theory.
I might also suggest that the OLA's Social Responsibility Task Force might begin to organize? About a year ago Tracie Kreighbaum emailed me and said that the OLA SRTF was organizing and we were thinking of co-leading it. Unfortunately Tracie left the state for another postilion.and so we never got the task force up and running. I'd still be up for co-chairing this group - does anyone know who at OLA might know how to get this going? If so let me know.
For what it's worth nationally there is a Social Responsibility Round Table of ALA ( http://www.ala.org/srrt/home)  plus a group called the Progressive Librarians Guild ( http://www.progressivelibrariansguild.org/)that regularly engage with these issues. The Library Juice Press* (and Litwan press)  http://libraryjuicepress.com/ is publishing more and more books that tend to interrupt the grand, positivist narrative of librarianship.They may be of interest too.

- Bob Schroeder
* Full disclosure - I have a book coming out soon with them (called Critical Journeys: How 14 Librarians Came to Embrace Critical Practices). I interview 14 librarians who are engaged with social justice issues in libraries or who are using the critical theories I mention above to inform their practices.

--
Sent from my iToaster Oven

 _________________________________________________________

 Robert Schroeder

 Education Librarian,

 Associate Professor

 Portland State University


 503 725 4519<tel:503%20725%204519>
 schroedr at pdx.edu<mailto:schroedr at pdx.edu>
 Room 280F Millar Library





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