#critlib 1/27/2015 Residency Programs and Diversity in Librarianship
Moderated by @ACRL_RIG , Background Reading: http://crl.acrl.org/content/58/6/528
Few min to #critlib y'all! Tonight we will be talking about residencies and diversity in librarianship. More info at http://tinyurl.com/critlibx- Introductions
- Intros! I'm Chris (@chrisdaaz ), former residency librarian in #scholcomm, current collections librarian in Chicago. #critlib Welcome!
This is Jenna, tweeting for the Barnard Library. Pretty much only in this to hang out with @edrabinski #critlib
Jaime, librarian at large in Brooklyn. Prolly not paying much attention tonight because I'm reading an Atwood novel. #critlib #sorrynotsorry
#critlib Stephanie, @LibraryJournal, former libarian, mainly just hanging out since I don't know much about residency programs.- Re: LT, not only to hang out with @edrabinski. #critlib is a great community!
Howdy, #critlib -- I'm Kelly, outreach and instruction lib'n in Oregon, also gonna be #criticalpotato-ing tonight
I'm Megan, Seattle instruction librarian (#GoSeahawks!), & am following #critlib while watching a very close tennis match #multitasking- Q1: What does "diversity" mean in the context of libraries and librarianship?
- @catladylib A1 - I wish it also meant those with disabiltiies since I rarely see librarians like me, other than on the Internetz. #critlib
@sendaulas agreed. Increasing racial and ethnic diversity is v. important and it easier to "count" the numbers #critlib
A1: I agree with @catladylib, but diversity should be defined broadly to include diversity in collections, and service orientation #critlib- A1 Might also consider #diversity in all librarian positions, including admin. #critlib Primarily racial & ethnic, but others in context.
- @catladylib I completely agree. #critlib
@catladylib yes, racial and ethnic ... and sometimes gender. rarely (maybe never) more ... #critlib- @catladylib Sometimes I feel sad that it's just counting numbers for some libraries, though. #critlib
- @GinaMurrell1 Yes! Goes to intellectual and academic freedom. #critlib
A1:If we look at diversity from a demographic standpoint in libraries http://www.ala.org/research/sites/ala.org.research/files/content/July13report.pdf … this is a helpful report to consult. #critlib- @pumpedlibrarian also, like: what is in the census? sometimes getting data is a form of visibility. #critlib
- @sendaulas @catladylib Yeah -- the complexity (and intersectionality!) of identity is hard to count, in an authentic way. #critlib
- @jimmykingpin ohh thanks!! #critlib
- @jenlabarbera The question then becomes, what makes up the diverse world we live in? #critlib
- @elizabethskene @catladylib @kellymce The fact that you want to be more inclusive is a plus! We're just scared of being ostracized. #critlib
@edrabinski I agree - and a history within the profession that needs to be looked at more carefully. #critlib- @lisalibrarian yeah -- "diversity is the work of the diverse, right?" #critlib
@jenlabarbera agree. aiming to include many perspectives from ppl of all backgrounds. which often gets simplified to colors/numbers #critlib- Q2: What are some barriers preventing librarianship from becoming more inclusive and diverse?
- @MohamedBerray So interesting -- how do y'all define "civility"? #critlib
- @MohamedBerray Oh, very cool. Would like to hear more about this. #critlib
- @MohamedBerray I ponder tho - "civility" can be used as frame to suppress voices of difference, esp speaking against oppression? #critlib
- @tmcgriffin Interesting. Do you think that's an actual need, or something that could be changed? #critlib
- .@tmcgriffin Ugh, yes, this. Which is a new thing in this neoliberal hellscape of an economy. #critlib
@librarypj Definitely! Already a barrier to entry with a necessary undergrad degree. Degree is masters PLUS undergrad #critlib
.@plutoHimself ya def, our glacial stereotypes have cre8d a culture that isn't so appealing to those who don't fit 'expectation' #critlib
@elizabethskene A lot of people suggest unpaid volunteering as a way to get experience. #critlib- @rowmyboat @tmcgriffin agreed! I will say tho in our last round of hiring, we were more interested in fit & interests than exper #critlib
- @nikdragggg Isn't a related issue the relatively low salaries of librarians? #critlib
- @sendaulas @MohamedBerray and I guess my real question is -- how do you keep it from being derailed from racial/class inequality? #critlib
- A2: barriers for academic librarianship: bachelor degree, library degree, and a subject speciality masters #critlib #3degreeclub
@christinemviv Do you see opportunities to directly or indirectly address diversity and inclusion in LIS curriculum? #critlib
@rowmyboat the economy and profession outlook is definitely playing into this #critlib- @pumpedlibrarian this ties into the intersectional issue of "people like me" that others have mentioned. #critlib
Great #critlib tweets tonight to lead into #ALISE2015 -- follow the hashtag.- @tmcgriffin The way hiring happens in big institutions can limit -- if you have a checklist of qualifications, less wiggle room. #critlib
@nikdragggg I have to believe we can find a way! We have to demonstrate that diversity is more than an "intiative." #critlib- @tmcgriffin I think job ads place too much emp on "jobs you had before" rather than "skills/abilities necessary for this job" ... #critlib
- @christinemviv It's an interest of mine. Heading to #ALISE2015 tomorrow and hope to engage on this topic. #critlib
- @edrabinski *and* something. #critlib
@Wribrarian i'm SO interested to see how #alise2015 does this. LIS programs talking abt social justice!? it's like a fantasy. #critlib- @catladylib good lord I hope this isn't based on a true story (afraid it might be)... #critlib
this post about diversity and liberalism on @ModelViewMedia is awesome https://modelviewculture.com/pieces/how-to-uphold-white-supremacy-by-focusing-on-diversity-and-inclusion … #critlib- Q3: What are some challenges in diversity recruitment? How can we avoid stigmatization?
- @catladylib while we're at it tho - let's treat interns etc. w respect too! #critlib
- @catladylib ugh, thank you. #critlib
- @tmcgriffin Right, that's what I'm saying. #critlib
- @nikdragggg I hope you enjoy #ALISE2015 and find some people who are interested in this as well. It's so important! #critlib
- @plutoHimself it honestly happens more than you think. And yes, it happened to me! #critlib
- @christinemviv Maybe a colloquium model could address diversity in the field and prof dev. Current coursework is decentralized. #critlib
- @lisalibrarian right? And pay them! #critlib
- @edrabinski we have more and more required trained Search Advocates on SCs -- it's no anti-oppression training, but it is a start #critlib
- @catladylib I'm torn about this. At times Im approached by someone who wants intern-b/c not programmatic for me - no way to get $ #critlib
- @catladylib But, I can give my time to supervise even if out of programmatic scope. So, I say yes bc approached by person. #critlib
- @catladylib That was an eye opener in the article. Hopefully this has diminished since '97. #critlib
- Q3 Encourage diversity of representation in media esp of #librarians. The eponymous show - 1 Asian, everyone else is white. #critlib
- @edrabinski Yikes. This is interesting (er, sad) since I've never been on a hiring committee. #critlib
- @lisalibrarian yeah, it's very hard to get the funding and students need to get experience. I was totally willing to work for free. #critlib
- @librarypj especially when working on/submitting budget feedback! #critlib
- @MakeItHappenDay Sometimes it's about knowing when to step back and let/support someone else. Really hard to do. #critlib @pumpedlibrarian
- @pumpedlibrarian The concept of the 1-2 year "tryout" for a permanent position was also interesting. #critlib
- @lisalibrarian @catladylib Can they get course credit if still in school? That’s a form of compensation for interning. #critlib
- @nikdragggg True, but I think so much coursework also represents only white, middle-class culture, and that's a problem. #critlib
- @nikdragggg yeah that is a bit irksome... it seems like not a full commitment to diversity? #critlib
- @nikdragggg The coursework needs to step outside of that "traditional" librarian world-view and offer alternatives. #critlib
- @LibrarianAngie @catladylib If they want. Separate Q. May not want to spend $ for tuition if dont need credits. #critlib
- @meganjwatson The MLS needs to be better, more rigorous in terms of theory & practice, something to be proud of. #critlib
Highly recommend Pushing Back From the Table by @LibraryNicole https://ojcs.siue.edu/ojs/index.php/polymath/article/view/2934 … #critlib- @catladylib that's the point. #critlib
- @foureyedsoul I'm interested in where diversity -- meaningful, change-making diversity -- might fit in a strategic plan. #critlib
- @catladylib Totally agree. I spend lot of time getting small grants, allocations, etc. so can pay - but thats when is programmati. #critlib
@catladylib I saw your post about imposter syndrome today - wonder if/how much feeling tokenized contributes to this. #critlib- @foureyedsoul that "library neutral" principle that rears its ugly head again. Need to question "default" thinking aswellas 1/2 #critlib
- @foureyedsoul 2/2 differentiating between neutrality in practice & neutrality in administration. #critlib
- @foureyedsoul Yep, as opposed to a checkbox for some libraries. #critlib
- Q4: How does a library residency/fellowship fit in the hierarchy of librarianship? Is this conducive to a diverse and inclusive workforce?
- @elizabethskene @catladylib oohh. this is a great question. i'd say a lot? i know it played a big role for me. #critlib
- Omg this is great, "White Middle Class Costume" on library job interviews & dress -- via @MagpieLibrarian https://u.osu.edu/galvan.22/2014/03/25/job-interview-performance-art/comment-page-1/ … #critlib
- @christinemviv True! Project work that highlights diverse cultural heritage institutions helps, I think! #critlib
- @pumpedlibrarian @elizabethskene I feel too uncool to share. Will do at the end of #critlib for #critpitch
- @meganjwatson @catladylib Agreed! Do librarians know the names of all the public safety staff? Talk to support staff regularly? #critlib
- This #critlib has me considering #diversity in #librarianship in ways other than just practice. Administration is so tricky! #mlis
- @catladylib @elizabethskene more like i think my impostor syndrome was increased approx tenfold bc i'm also the token brown/queer. #critlib
A4 I think diversity resident programs like the one at the Univ of Utah is a step in the right direction. https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/37781 #critlib- .@MagpieLibrarian totally, not having the privilege of being invisible #critlib
- @foureyedsoul I'm sure it isn't the only ALA value that has that problem. That's the nature of bureaucracies, eh? #critlib
@sendaulas I abhor the Pokemon, "gotta catch 'em all" trivializing of diversity, which empties experience out into boxes on forms #critlib- @nikdragggg @christinemviv I think this is important for librarians who work both in #digitalhumanities & "traditional" #STEM #critlib
- @GinaMurrell1 what do you like about that one in particular? #critlib
- @jenlabarbera @elizabethskene right, and internalizing microaggressions yr entire life isn't going to help w/that either. #critlib
- @MagpieLibrarian @pumpedlibrarian I'm constantly paranoid of seeming too "gay" in dress or mannerism, especially on interviews. #critlib
- @barnlib @meganjwatson @catladylib yes, so important. The AUL who I first worked for knew the names of everyone in the whole bldg. #critlib
- @foureyedsoul Yeah -- I think the reactions to the BCALA statement about the conf in FL demonstrate some of that tension. #critlib
- @catladylib @barnlib @meganjwatson She totally, totally was. She set the bar for me -- and set a really good example. #critlib
- @christinemviv That's what I didn't apply to any. And I didn't want to be jobhunting again in a year. #critlib
- @MohamedBerray Right -- and if they want to stay, that is a good sign! #critlib
- @barnlib @meganjwatson @catladylib I'm sure I could do better but ... yes, I do. Our lib has 500 employees in 26 campus buildings. #critlib
- @librarypj Yes -- the way it is seen in the larger institution is so important. #critlib
- @christinemviv I would say, that is the only downside w/residencies. They're all short-term. #critlib
- @sendaulas Yes! I think that's a common reaction to them. Who would want to look again a year later? That's hard!! #critlib
- Q5: What is needed to diversify librarianship? How might residencies play a role?
- Riffing on @librarypj -- what if res. was marketed more like fancy fellowships? Perception from other staff can shape experience. #critlib
- @tmcgriffin Most people don't even realize how to be a librarian! Librarian career day! just reading? but compsci too! #critlib
- @catladylib Yes, I wonder if that doesn't lead to some of the other problems mentioned here tonight. #critlib
- @lisalibrarian @barnlib @catladylib wowzers. yeah, a little easier to make this happen on my wee campus! #critlib
- @MagpieLibrarian @pumpedlibrarian YOU certainly don't need to apologize :) but it's part of curse of "professionalism" in general #critlib
- @plutoHimself but it helps to get the seed planted young when they are still receptive. High school may even be too late #critlib
- @nikdragggg I didn't realize how bureaucratic libraries were until I got my first internship. #critlib
- @plutoHimself When I was Head of UG Lib here, we would pay any undergrad stud worker up to 2 hrs to talk to librn re lib careers #critlib
@christinemviv residency proposal I'm working on hoping to target undergrads considering LIS; short-term more feasible for students #critlib- @sendaulas Definitely! Seems especially profound in faculty status environments.. #critlib
- @christinemviv @catladylib Some people talk about that temporary/new hire problem in digital humanities positions, too… #critlib
- @elizabethskene And I didn't realize there would be committees for everything, even making changes to a website. Sigh. #critlib
- @lisalibrarian Esp for UG. Can diversity expand this kind of program or too "pointed"? same idea as residency,channeling into prof? #critlib
- @christinemviv @catladylib It's cruel to expect the least established new hires to produce rapid change against entrenched probs. #critlib
- @pumpedlibrarian FYI FWIW offering to *ALL* student workers recruited more racial/ethnic diverse to librnshp than targeted program #critlib
- @sendaulas @christinemviv oh it was a great opportunity that i'm glad I did! also I applied for a lot of residencies #critlib
- @catladylib Nope! Just follow their good work! Glad they seem to be assessing value and outcomes for these opportunities. #critlib
- Alright here's my #critlib #critpitch. But am I really an activist? Dealing with imposter syndrome: http://bit.ly/1DfgRkj via @ala_apala
- @MohamedBerray Sounds great! Hopefully with a good captive audience. #critlib
- @plutoHimself Our data showed more effective to be inclusive in this program than when targeted. #notclearwhy #critlib
- @foureyedsoul @christinemviv @catladylib DH is so new that enthusiastic "newcomers" are challenged to justify their&its worth #critlib
- @plutoHimself @foureyedsoul @catladylib Yes, absolutely, and to justify it as a practice, as scholarship, etc. #critlib
- @jimmykingpin Wow to the number of librarians at retirement age, but not intending to reitre. #critlib
