CritLib: Theory and Action
An engaged group arrived Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Inn at Swarthmore to learn what is behind conversations tagged #critlib. CritLib, or critical librarianship, is a movement to bring social justice principles into our work in libraries. CritLib aims to engage participants in discussion about critical perspectives on library practice. At this workshop, participants began the day exploring the CritLib movement and personal identity. Following the ACRL/DVC Business meeting, attendees heard a panel of librarians share three approaches to helping students learn to think critically and take action. The workshop ended with exercises to help us look at our personal and social identities. We discussed and reflected on their impact on our interactions.
If you’d like to know more, please read on! The following agenda includes links to a report about each of the sessions.
Agenda
Keynote
“From the Personal to the Theoretical, or a Love Letter to bell hooks”
Veronica Arellano Douglas, Reference & Instruction Librarian, St. Mary’s College
→ session report by Carol Howe
Delaware Valley Chapter Business Meeting
→ session report by Cathy Ogur
CritLib in Practice Panel Session
“Hiring and Instruction,” Jeremy McGinniss, Library Director, Clarks Summit University
“Subverting Power: Let the Students Teach,” Romel Espinel, Web Services Librarian, Stevens Institute of Technology
“Just Do Something About Social Justice,” Adam Mizelle, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Widener University
→ session report by Nancy Bellafante
Closing Discussion
“Your Social Identity Snapshot,” DeVon Jackson, Assistant Director for Leadership Programs & Cultural Development, Villanova University
→ session report by Cathy Ogur