Libraries today are lauded as being spaces where everyone is welcome. Librarians are praised for their neutrality and receive vocational awe. Despite libraries' stated values of inclusivity and equal access, their actions have often contradicted these principles. This session will delve into the historical context of libraries as racialized organizations, highlighting their deep-rooted connections to white supremacist culture. We will examine the establishment of the American Library Association, founded by individuals who perpetuated a white supremacist mindset, and discuss how contemporary concepts such as neutrality and vocational awe continue to uphold this ideology. Historical evidence from libraries in the southern United States, which denied entry and library cards to people of color, is well known; this session will also trace the largely erased history of exclusionary practices of libraries in the northern states.

As the first workshop in the Decolonize This Space: Making Antiracism Real in Public Libraries series, we will demonstrate the critical need for librarians to recognize and disrupt these historical foundations, setting the stage for the subsequent workshops.

Please fill out this presurvey to help the presenters prepare for the session and maximize learning. The survey only has to be filled out once for the series, not for each of the five sessions.

Note the five sessions in this series build on each other. You are not required to attend all five session (or watch the recordings in advance), but it is recommended.

Presenter: 

Elyse Seltzer (she/her) is a school librarian, DEI practitioner, affinity and professional development facilitator, and presenter. She has presented locally and nationally on literature for culturally and linguistically diverse students and using books to create spaces of empathy. Elyse strives to be an anti-racist educator and is dedicated to empowering students through literature and resources that highlight agency in their daily lives. Her curiosity drives her to model critical thinking and the art of asking essential questions, fostering 21st century learners who are prepared for the future with empathy gained from engaging with diverse perspectives. Elyse received her MLS from Simmons University in 2009. She is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Greater Boston Cooperative Library Association, Massachusetts Library System, Massachusetts School Library Association, Elementary Independent School Librarians, the American Library Association, and the American Educational Research Association. Elyse is a doctoral student at UMass Boston in the Urban Education, Leadership and Policy program.

Recording and Slides:

This program is being recorded and along with slides, will be made available on Niche Academy. Thanks to LSTA funds, all CT library staff members may sign up for a free Niche Academy account. Find a direct link to the course through the Growing Equitable Library Services Libguides page.

Who Should Come?

Perfect for anyone who works in public libraries including those who have an impact on library policy.

Accessibility 

This webinar will be captioned. If you require another access service to participate fully, please use the Accommodation Request Form at least 14 days prior to the event.