Project Learning Outcome 4.
Practice
Practice the principles of social and cultural justice in preparations for careers in library and information environments.
The history of library evolution got covered throughout my studies at the UA. A common theme that stuck out was how libraries do not shutter. As institutions, society needs them more in times of hardship. Our field becomes a lifeline to a community's survival. From the Great Depression to wars, and civil rights to today, librarians are researching, listening, aiding, and entertaining anyone who seeks access. Most recently, libraries have been information centers to fact check news headlines, to reduce misinformation spread about the pandemic, and facilitators for economic growth. I am inspired by how the Fergusson, MO library stayed open during the days of protests because the public needed a safe place to breathe and regroup (Seale, 2016). It was great to see how that example touched my classmates too, through our discussion in LS 513 Professional Paths.
Where I work, a racial injustice happened at the local mall, and I advocated our library system to put out a public statement that we have meeting room spaces available where people can organize their thoughts, have difficult conversations, and where they don't need to worry about police or government intrusion. Unfortunately, we made no such public statement. Although, our administrative position held that if anyone from those groups approached us, we'd be accommodating. Still, to me, this felt like a missed opportunity, and I shared my perspective in LS 515 Information Ethics. I understand that there is a public image to maintain and that, sometimes, leaning towards conservatism keeps the trouble away, but in this case, I think we should have made a statement to be viewed as an influential example of good stewards for other libraries.
By inviting in a large group of community members who are not regular library users into our buildings, where staff can then show that we are understanding, are available to help, and have the resources to guide them, that is what makes a lasting impact (Carbo, 2008). "People are affected by a combination of limitations, including illiteracy, illness, social isolation, homelessness, hunger, and discrimination, which hamper the effectiveness of traditional library services" (McCook, 2007). For me, stepping in to offer a safe place and remind the public of the library's expanding resources is how we can stay relevant and become known rescue havens. Many examples of libraries influencing the lives of their users got shared in LS 530 Public Libraries, and all of us in the class became inspired to do more to create these environments. At the bottom of this page, please see my coursework from LS 530 entitled "Philosophy of Public Library Service" to read more of my positions.
On the flipside, sometimes libraries willingly hold back, not to position their institutions to invite the pre-conceived negativity inside the walls. As a field, we're quite vocal about letting all voices get heard. The advocacy to protect intellectual freedom from practicing librarians is impressive. It seems like every generation has a cultural wave of change that gets illustrated through film, music, and publishing. The idea of scrutiny legislation can plague creativity (McCook, 2007). Thankfully, libraries are in the business of sharing ideas, keeping people's expression safe through copyright, and protecting users online (Dresang, 2006). In LS 501 Information in Communities and LS 590 Management of AV Collections, we discussed how important copyright and licensing are to protecting both the guest accessing the information and the creator credited with it. In LS 500, we did a class exercise to explain the different technology literacy skills within website navigation. Please see my work at the bottom of this page entitled "The Good and Bad of Search Engines" to read my further illustration.
Libraries offer every viewpoint and support such societal growth. Challenging materials is a right that must remain for the public to express their concern. However, as history has indicated, some of the most challenged materials become the most beloved stories. Sometimes our society needs the metaphors and illusions in fiction to grasp the reality of minority groups and the harshest of circumstances others face (Jaszi, 2016). I believe that when an idea makes a person uncomfortable, that's a learning opportunity. The person might not change their position, but understanding is built. As I shared in LS 513 Professional Paths and LS 530 Public Libraries, I think this is why librarians are so adamant about keeping content from all voices on their shelves.
Sources:
Carbo, Toni. 2008. “Ethics Education for Information Professionals.” Journal of Library Administration47 (3–4): 5–25
Dresang,Eliza. (2006)."Intellectual Freedom and Libraries: Complexity and Change in the Twenty-First-Century Digital Environment." Library Quarterly Vol. 76, no. 2. pp. 169-192. https://doi-org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/10.1086/506576
Jaszi, Peter. 2016. “Copyright and Intellectual Property: What You Need to Know.” Serials Librarian70 (1–4): 34–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2016.1141624.
McCook, Kathleen de la Pena, and Katharine J. Phenix. 2007. “Public Libraries and Human Rights.” Public Library Quarterly25 (1–2): 57–73
Seale, M. (2016). Compliant Trust: The Public Good and Democracy in the ALA’s “Core Values of Librarianship.” Library Trends, 64(3), 585–603. https://doi.org/10.1353/lib.2016.0003
Where I work, a racial injustice happened at the local mall, and I advocated our library system to put out a public statement that we have meeting room spaces available where people can organize their thoughts, have difficult conversations, and where they don't need to worry about police or government intrusion. Unfortunately, we made no such public statement. Although, our administrative position held that if anyone from those groups approached us, we'd be accommodating. Still, to me, this felt like a missed opportunity, and I shared my perspective in LS 515 Information Ethics. I understand that there is a public image to maintain and that, sometimes, leaning towards conservatism keeps the trouble away, but in this case, I think we should have made a statement to be viewed as an influential example of good stewards for other libraries.
By inviting in a large group of community members who are not regular library users into our buildings, where staff can then show that we are understanding, are available to help, and have the resources to guide them, that is what makes a lasting impact (Carbo, 2008). "People are affected by a combination of limitations, including illiteracy, illness, social isolation, homelessness, hunger, and discrimination, which hamper the effectiveness of traditional library services" (McCook, 2007). For me, stepping in to offer a safe place and remind the public of the library's expanding resources is how we can stay relevant and become known rescue havens. Many examples of libraries influencing the lives of their users got shared in LS 530 Public Libraries, and all of us in the class became inspired to do more to create these environments. At the bottom of this page, please see my coursework from LS 530 entitled "Philosophy of Public Library Service" to read more of my positions.
On the flipside, sometimes libraries willingly hold back, not to position their institutions to invite the pre-conceived negativity inside the walls. As a field, we're quite vocal about letting all voices get heard. The advocacy to protect intellectual freedom from practicing librarians is impressive. It seems like every generation has a cultural wave of change that gets illustrated through film, music, and publishing. The idea of scrutiny legislation can plague creativity (McCook, 2007). Thankfully, libraries are in the business of sharing ideas, keeping people's expression safe through copyright, and protecting users online (Dresang, 2006). In LS 501 Information in Communities and LS 590 Management of AV Collections, we discussed how important copyright and licensing are to protecting both the guest accessing the information and the creator credited with it. In LS 500, we did a class exercise to explain the different technology literacy skills within website navigation. Please see my work at the bottom of this page entitled "The Good and Bad of Search Engines" to read my further illustration.
Libraries offer every viewpoint and support such societal growth. Challenging materials is a right that must remain for the public to express their concern. However, as history has indicated, some of the most challenged materials become the most beloved stories. Sometimes our society needs the metaphors and illusions in fiction to grasp the reality of minority groups and the harshest of circumstances others face (Jaszi, 2016). I believe that when an idea makes a person uncomfortable, that's a learning opportunity. The person might not change their position, but understanding is built. As I shared in LS 513 Professional Paths and LS 530 Public Libraries, I think this is why librarians are so adamant about keeping content from all voices on their shelves.
Sources:
Carbo, Toni. 2008. “Ethics Education for Information Professionals.” Journal of Library Administration47 (3–4): 5–25
Dresang,Eliza. (2006)."Intellectual Freedom and Libraries: Complexity and Change in the Twenty-First-Century Digital Environment." Library Quarterly Vol. 76, no. 2. pp. 169-192. https://doi-org.libdata.lib.ua.edu/10.1086/506576
Jaszi, Peter. 2016. “Copyright and Intellectual Property: What You Need to Know.” Serials Librarian70 (1–4): 34–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/0361526X.2016.1141624.
McCook, Kathleen de la Pena, and Katharine J. Phenix. 2007. “Public Libraries and Human Rights.” Public Library Quarterly25 (1–2): 57–73
Seale, M. (2016). Compliant Trust: The Public Good and Democracy in the ALA’s “Core Values of Librarianship.” Library Trends, 64(3), 585–603. https://doi.org/10.1353/lib.2016.0003
To read further examples from my coursework to substantiate my positions, click on the files below. To see more of my work, click on the quick link buttons at the bottom of this page.
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