#critlib 2017-11-14: Radical Reference

Don't forget on Tues (Dec 14) at 9 PM, we're hosting a #critlib chat! Modded by @mauraweb, @Audrey_Sage_ , and me (@NicoleG_Haus). Pre-game our questions here:  http://critlib.org/radical-reference-chat/ …

So excited to take part in this #critlib chat!!!  https://twitter.com/nycradref/status/929756825666379779 …

Social justice and equity in libraries: next #critlib discussing radical reference is coming soon (tomorrow 1pm AEST)  http://critlib.org/radical-reference-chat/ …

In about 24 hours we're hosting our #critlib chat! If you don't have a twitter account, you can submit anonymously at this link:  https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycbwyWyihbid8kFgyc1Pu5_BTBFGZt9Ij75bA9WPjPaMu1jCgtNmQ/exec … More information about the chat can be found here:  http://critlib.org/radical-reference-chat/ …

Have feels abt this quote? "intellectual freedom means the active promotion and protection of equal access to information as an inalienable right of all citizens" (Schuman 1987, 131)? Then join @NYCRadRef tomo @ 9 for a #CritLib chat you won't want 2 miss  http://critlib.org/radical-reference-chat/ …!

Want to learning more about bringing social justice to libraries? Join Tues #critlib focused on Radical Reference later tonight at 9 PM EST -  https://goo.gl/wRh4ba 

Nice! Critical #critlib RadRef background!  https://twitter.com/LNBel/status/930490125892583429 …

T-minus an hour until our #critlib chat. Grab a snack and a drink! Here are the questions and readings to get you in the mood:  http://critlib.org/radical-reference-chat/ …

Get READDYYYYYYYYY! **TONIGHT** at 9 pm @mauraweb, @NicoleG_Haus, and I host @NYCRadRef's 1st #CritLib chat on activism on the LIS world! Come join!  http://critlib.org/radical-reference-chat/ …

Hey #critlib folks, it's time! Let's start out with intros! I'm Nicole, an archivist at the @cjewishhistory and @NYCRadRef member

I REMEMBERED TO LOG ON. You should too 😊 #critlib  https://twitter.com/nicoleg_haus/status/930616505850621958 …

hey hi, i'm lia, a librarian at UCSD #critlib

Hiya #critlib, I'm Maura, college library director in Brooklyn and @NYCRadRef member, excited to be moderating tonight with @NicoleG_Haus and @Audrey_Sage_ !

hey hi, i'm lia, a librarian at UCSD #critlib

Hi #critlib ! Charlotte, academic librarian in California.

Hello #critlib just in thawing out from bike ride home, lurking. Ellen, an academic/sp coll librarian in NYC and I have a rare @RadReference T shirt

Hi I'm Rose, MSLIS student at Pratt! #critlib

Hi all, I'm a grad student at the University of North Texas and this is the first #CritLib chat I've ever been able to make! :)

Hi everyone... I'm a student in a MLIS program/ a support staff member (clerk) at a mid size academic library/ archive intern with a nonprofit org/ i make zines... #critlib

Hi #critlib! Jen, educator at @BKLYNconnect and volunteer at @InterferenceArc.

Hello! Meghann, another MSLIS student at Pratt! #critlib

#critlib I’m Kate @NYCRadRef member, radref circa 2007 member...

Hi #critlib I'm an academic librarian in California

Hi! I'm an academic librarian at Queens College and also an @NYCRadRef member & I'm super excited about this #critlib chat!

#critlib & I’m Library Director at MCNY college in New York

Hi, I'm Alex! I'm a project manager/data curator for a grant-funded project during the day; part of @NYCRadRef + a volunteer with a couple of housing/tenant rights coalitions at other times. This is my first #critlib

Hello #critlib. I'm the Inclusion & Accessibility librarian at Syracuse U in upstate NY.

So great to see first timers and MLIS students, welcome! #critlib

#critlib happy to see a number of grad students on for tonight's chat!

Don't forget to use the hashtag tonight folks! And if you want to be anonymous, use this handy tool:  https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycbwyWyihbid8kFgyc1Pu5_BTBFGZt9Ij75bA9WPjPaMu1jCgtNmQ/exec … #critlib

Yay, thank you for coming, everyone! So good to see such a great turnout #critlib

Hi! I'm Cindy and I'm a librarian at a government library in Texas. #critlib

Hey #critlib, I'm Ryan, a librarian at a community college in the Boise, Idaho area.

Hi #critlib I'm a highered biz librarian & tuning in from sunny Sydney #lunchtime twitterchat treats

hi all! i'm a recent mlis grad in my first job as a reference librarian at forbes library in northampton, ma. longtime listener, first time caller #critlib

#critlib, Pratt grad student, Qi, Li

(I'm also liking and retweeting for @NYCRadRef tonight, fyi) #critlib

Heard of RadRef but never been involved--curious about the NYC restart and what they will be doing #critlib

Keep on with the intros, but let's also get to Q1: Have you heard of or been involved with RadRef in the past? Where/when? What draws you to this work? #critlib

Q1 is up, y'all! Come play! #CritLib  https://twitter.com/mauraweb/status/930618100386496512 …

A1 Never really heard of it except in passing, but I do a lot of diversity advocacy (particularly disability/accessibility) in libraries. #critlib

#critlib I first got involved 2007ish, radref embodied the intersection of social justice/punk ethics...stuff that drew me to the field

Q1 i've been involved since 04, when i lived in ny-written and presented, answered questions back in the day, site moderator, etc.#critlib

A1 I've been RadRef adjacent for a while, gotten more involved recently. Lots of what @piebrarian wrote in her chapter ( https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2gn7r9n2 …) really resonates with me. #critlib

#critlib A1 heard of / know of RadRef from media during... protests? Or occupy? Or something like that? Not involved

A1: I’m not very familiar with RadRef, so I’m here to learn more about it and about ways to do activism in library land #critlib

Q1: I have never been involved w/RadRef. but the manifestation of white supremacy/ white saviorism within the prof. of lib. needs to change ASAP. also, i'm tired of seeing ref. librarians be condescending towards students bc they aren't asking questions at the ref desk! #critlib

Q1: I've been around RadRef a bit since early 2016 meetings; less lately while other stuff has been on my plate. As an org I'd followed previously, I was primarily interested as a place to share ideas with like-minded professionals. #critlib

A1 Debated going to a coding bootcamp but wanted something more advocacy focused. Friend told me librarians do tech too. Found RadRef thru a Google search, decided this was the place for me, & applied to grad school. No faculty focused on soc justice in my uni tho :( #critlib

I went to the Info Workers meeting about a year ago that eventually decided to be part of RadRef, mainly out of post-election dread. #critlib  https://twitter.com/mauraweb/status/930618100386496512 …

I am familiar with that dread. #critlib  https://twitter.com/nfoasberg/status/930619191387983872 …

I'm not that active with the group & I should do a lot more, but being among activists who are thinking carefully about this stuff is helpful to me. #critlib  https://twitter.com/mauraweb/status/930618100386496512 …

A1: I got involved last December after the election, and have been organizing with the group ever since ( and hosting meetings), my frustration about the state of the country drew me in #critlib

A1 I started attending meetings of concerned info workers in NYC after the 2016 election. That group then decided to organize its work under the RadRef umbrella. I wanted to make use of my info skillset outside of my day job #critlib

Not to be CUNY-centric (lol), but this has been really helpful to me as well. #critlib  https://twitter.com/nfoasberg/status/930619380089712640 …

Hi #critlib! I’m an arts & humanities librarian in MA. I’ll be floating in and out between dinner prep and next #critlib chat prep.

Yes! Or are there folks #onhere that can help make connections? #critlib  https://twitter.com/jenhoyer/status/930619210786656256 …

A1 I attended a RadRef meeting back at an ALA in New Orleans (2009?) but now mostly lurk in various coastal RadRed incarnations. I was drawn to the group because it connected activism + librarianship #critlib

A1 The line of continuity is inspiring, reflecting on the work RadRef members have been doing over the past 10+ years #critlib

A1 I've been a @NYCRadRef member for about a year. The work feels especially timely & important, and creates connections between info workers interested in a broad range of issues #critlib

Been trying to read up and teach myself as much as I can between classes and work, but wish I had ppl here in my program to discuss with. Am trying to get a reading group together. Also considering starting a podcast on radref for students like myself to discuss #critlib

#1. No, not involved in #radref #critlib

A1 #critlib what draws me to this work is what drew me to librarianship in a way. i want people to have access to all of the information. i love local collectives and work that is being done by individuals to focus on critlib and social justice.

#critlib Q1: notable - if unsurprising -how (nyc) radref grew out of dire politics 2004 and has re-juvinated in this dire-er time

@databrarian A reading group sounds like a great idea! And maybe there are resources we can share? #critlib

A1 I admire RadRef worker but have never been around to be part of it. Like @IreneKorber, I'd heard of it somewhere during Occupy or similar. Maybe BoingBoing? I'm too squeamish & untrained to be a street medic, so RadRef seems a way I could similarly contribute. #critlib

Definitely. It would be great if we could build a foundation that was sustainable through periods of relative calm too! #critlib  https://twitter.com/xsublibrarian/status/930620263741476864 …

#critlib  https://twitter.com/LNBel/status/930620322998636544 …

#critlib ,the collection is not neutral , ideas are not neutral , so the reference might not be neutral , is that a kind rad reference

@databrarian That's a great idea! #CritLib

A1. For me the librarian dna has a passion for providing 'socially conscious information services' #critlib

Critlibbers, don't forget the #critlib hashtag!

@mauraweb Don't be like me! #guilty #critlib :)

@databrarian We can definitely help you make a reading list, but I know it's hard to read more while in school! Maybe for inspiration listen to some of the podcast episodes from @InterferenceArc -- Audio Interference  http://interferencearchive.org/category/audio/  #critlib

Definitely. We have tons of small breakout groups that do their own things and contribute in every way imaginable. Check out some meeting minutes, if you want to read more deets!  http://radicalreference.info/localcollectives/nyc … #critlib  https://twitter.com/foureyedsoul/status/930620623495168000 …

&radref/collectivism, shared resources, info, spirit- better angles of librarianship. #critlib is a lot Critique, radref is that mobilized  https://twitter.com/piebrarian/status/930620233055846400 …

@xsublibrarian love the idea that #radref is #critlib mobilized

Hi all! I'm Melissa, public librarian in Brooklyn, except right now I'm in an apartment in Manhattan eating persimmons. Will try to dip in and out. Re Rad Ref, I've been involved since just abt the start in 2004. #critlib

A1. I first heard of it in Informed Agitation. I’m drawn to it as a way to support social justice with my library skills. #critlib

Also, there's currently a lot of impetus for change in diversity and inclusion at my institution. Good to learn if/how #radref might fit into that work. #critlib

This was my #1 reason for getting involved. Information is (IMO) the most valuable and most powerful commodity in circulation rn. #critlib  https://twitter.com/Qi40660473/status/930620824117227521 …

A1 Librarians/info people know so much about their local communities that it seems natural for those of us inclined to bridge an information gap or connect community members #critlib

There was also that lovely summer evening when a bunch of us went down to #Occuplywallstreet to catalog the #occupylibrary #critlib

@xsublibrarian <3 this description of @RadReference as mobilized critique. #critlib A1

@metageeky #critlib folk have done great work unpacking/interrogating diversity politics/rhetoric @davehudson123

@cynth absolutely! #critlib

@LNBel My vague memory of hearing about radref in reference to occupy turned out to be correct! #critlib

Alright, beautiful critlib-ers. It's time for Q2 (but keep ind convos going in side convos too!): What are other activist library groups? Can you share some examples of activist library groups’ activities? #critlib

A2 For me, @InterferenceArc is a super inspiring example 🙌 #critlib

A2 Progressive Librarians Guild -- I knew them first through their publications, which I appreciated so much while living in places with no formal groups for librarians to do this work together #critlib

A2. It's still being established, but I am working on a disability in libraries community to share knowledge, support, and push back on vendors. #critlib

Q2: @InterferenceArc is doing great lib adjacent work, but I don't know about any other #archives radical work #critlib

@xsublibrarian @Audrey_Sage_ I was thinking abt this after the first post-2016 election meetings...so many attendees we ran out of chairs! Maybe natural ebb and flow of interest is ok? #critlib

Absolutely. And these 'library' activist groups can be as broadly or as narrowly tied to the definition of 'library' as you want them to be (what in the world is a 'library' nowadays anyway!?)! #critlib  https://twitter.com/AlexandraAlisa/status/930622389804814336 …

@cynth Been thinking about this wrt starting a zine collection from the local punk scene which is flush with amazing zines #critlib

#LISMentalHealth has done mental health awareness events and has a zine currently out. #critlib

You should submit something, #critlib folks  https://twitter.com/referencebird/status/912407852270026752 …

Same! The @InterferenceArc folks do amazing work. #critlib  https://twitter.com/AlexandraAlisa/status/930622389804814336 …

@ohelmiller nice but sometimes find the merging of social justice activism with library work a challenge without compromising both #critlib

@IreneKorber I think it was just one meeting as @NYCRadRef but there must have been overlap btwn radref and #occupylibrary workers too. #critlib

@jenhoyer PLG listserv is grrrrreat! #critlib

@jenhoyer PLG is how I got started with library activism! In grad school, it acted as a great outlet for discussing social justice and libraries #critlib

@NicoleG_Haus @InterferenceArc There are so many! I love @freedomarchives in SF and Lesbian Herstory Archives here in BKLYN. Also the Infoshop 56a archive in London is one of my favourite places in the world #critlib

A2 This sounds terrific, so necessary. Can you keep us posted? #critlib  https://twitter.com/metageeky/status/930622543962300417 …

@LNBel @NYCRadRef And I'm out in northern CA and still somehow heard this info at the time. Great work! #critlib

Here's a list(incomplete) of organizations and people doing social justice work. #critlib  http://www.mnylc.org/ideal/index.php?title=Main_Page …

Yussss, thank you!! #critlib  https://twitter.com/DianaMoronta/status/930623356818345984 …

A2 There are so many! Orgs like @PLGCoordCom and ALA Social Responsibilities Round Table, collectives like @RadicalLibs and @foreningenbis, student-led initiatives like @derailforum #critlib

#critlib A2. Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT) has been doing work from within ALA since 1969.  http://libr.org/srrt/ 

A2 (cont.) #critlib FYI, SRRT's work is often done through their task forces: Feminist Task Force; International Responsibilities Task Force; Hunger, Homelessness, & Poverty Task Force; MLK Jr. Holiday Task Force.

@jenhoyer What is infoshop doing? #critlib

@IreneKorber Do it! They'll probably be so excited to have someone create that collection! #critlib

#critlib  https://twitter.com/NicoleG_Haus/status/930623403979132928 …

Q2 #critlib not an answer but I'd like to do more with digital privacy and data ethics, personally

Oo, say more about this @pdjewell? I know I speak for more than myself when I say I'd super interested in hearing more! #critlib  https://twitter.com/pdjewell/status/930622894387871744 …

@mauraweb I'd be interested in joining this community too #critlib

@NicoleG_Haus So much this. Burnout is a worry for me. #critlib

@cynth @IreneKorber And there are lots of zine library folks out there who can help you figure out good practices. #critlib

@rkernoch Infoshop 56a is a DIY, collectively-run radical space and social center, with a bookstore and archive. My favourite memory of their archive was a box of maps...they also have an amazing zine collection! #critlib

A2. Students (mlis or not) do amazing things! Paying attention to those things and supporting them in our capacity can be a form of activism in its own right #critlib

@jenhoyer That is totally how I found my way in, I forgot about that. And then I read Revolting Librarians Redux, I think too. #critlib

Absolutely. Any ways to alleviate this? How do you all care for yourselves while contributing to 'the good fight'? #critlib  https://twitter.com/metageeky/status/930623587328897025 …

#critlib A2 as @Audrey_Sage_ said progressive librarians guild is awesome

A2 As an academic librarian, non-library-centric groups on campus can also be important. I'm involved in a sanctuary campus group at my institution #critlib

A2 the LIS microaggressions zines are a great example of activities that come out of activist work--and the critlib unconferences have been great for pushing out information/critical ideas. #critlib

#critlib for some recent-ish history:  http://www.ala.org/rt/srrt   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2052771.Revolting_Librarians …

@xsublibrarian To add to these resources, more history about progressive library action around the world: "Progressive Library Organizations" by Al Kagan  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22238258-progressive-library-organizations … #critlib

@LNBel @mauraweb I will definitely keep everyone posted and will push out to groups like #critlib. I'm just spending a lot of time settling into my new job.

@metageeky @cynth Yes and I'm thankful to all the zine library/librarian folks for so much to draw from #critlib

@databrarian Yes! We do some of this at MPOW, and @InfAgit and others did a great project at Brooklyn Public Library recently, details:  https://dataprivacyproject.org/  #critlib A2

I went to library school several decades ago, it was very much status quo forever, from afar seems like library schools now are communities of radical #critlib change in librarianship?

@metageeky @NicoleG_Haus Follow up to this Q: what can we do to resist burnout? (Is it even resistable?) #critlib

@LNBel Some are. Some are unfortunately more information science focused than library work though. That's a debate for a different time. #critlib

@Audrey_Sage_ true fact: I've missed some meetings when they conflicted with my therapist appointments #critlib

@metageeky @LNBel @mauraweb Settling in is v important too :) #critlib

@jenhoyer Great concept #critlib

@Audrey_Sage_ I try to remind myself that I won't be able to do everything right away, and accept that I might have a slower timeline on things I do for various groups #critlib

@mauraweb @NicoleG_Haus I think that we need to be sure to schedule fun as well as work when we hold meetings and the like. #critlib

@cynth I'm also part of that scene so it's nice not to be seen as an "outsider" seemingly coopting that subculture for academic purposes #critlib

@metageeky @LNBel Aw man I'm a diehard librarian who works in infosci and loved my education! :( #critlib

@cha_cjb @mauraweb A2 as an academic librarian, yes I learn from our students everyday #critlib

Popping into #CritLib from a taqueria in SF where I'm having dinner with fellow @RadReference cofounder @freegovinfo. 👋🏽 sorry we can't chat. ❤️ y'all!

HELL YES, HIIII #critlib  https://twitter.com/zinelib/status/930624597359083520 …

@zinelib @RadReference @freegovinfo #critlib Hello Jenna! Glad you could cameo! You co-started an awesome thing. :)

Eat tacos for us :D #critlib  https://twitter.com/zinelib/status/930624597359083520 …

Time for Q3: How can library/information workers contribute to and work with other activist groups? #critlib

Q3 Q3 Q3! #critlib  https://twitter.com/NicoleG_Haus/status/930624668201115648 …

A3 I think we can identify information needs in a group we’re part of and suggest (+ sometimes enact) solutions. Examples of things I've done: organizing the group’s research using a social bookmarking site + helping get a Google drive in order. #critlib

@nfoasberg @Audrey_Sage_ This is about to be me as I try to figure out a night w/a new therapist by looking at the recent radref mtg schedule. #critlib

Happy to talk to anyone about the Data Privacy Project curriculum for library staff! #critlib  https://twitter.com/mauraweb/status/930624220018761728 …

A3 One thing I'm working on is making it easy for student groups to have book displays/links to other media in our library spaces. #critlib

A3 We can also help with advice and resources about privacy (which has already been mentioned this chat) #critlib

#critlib A3 important to ask what people’s real needs are and be right-sized about what we as a group can do.

A3 i think that info workers forget we have a lot of amazing foundational skills -- data management, project management, etc. Get involved with any group whose cause you respect, and do what they need! #critlib

@Audrey_Sage_ @ohelmiller not sure why? Maybe just didn't have right connections at work...or maybe not enough #critlib in the workplace?

This really matters at MPOW since our library is a major student meetup place. #critlib

Dec 14! #critlib  https://twitter.com/mauraweb/status/930625301998075904 …

My position allows me to quietly catalog and make available grey literature on the police and prisons and criminal courts. Look for small acts of radical work, they are everywhere. #critlib

@cha_cjb Getting their voices in the collection has been a push this semester for us, whether it's student groups docs, oral histories etc added to our archives #critlib

related to Q3, I'm also interested in ideas abt how to incorporate this kind of activism into "day jobs"? #critlib

@AlexandraAlisa A3. Yes!! Offering some information clarity to an org can be game changing. In my context, it can look like suggesting different access point for financial aid info across the campus, but it can also look like suggesting tools! #critlib

Also, I'm trying to support institutional memory of advocacy by documenting/archiving efforts into a libguide. #critlib

When @NYCRadRef worked on our points of unity we talked a lot about who were included i thinl we tried to settle on info workers to get everybody libraries adjacent #critlib  https://twitter.com/metageeky/status/930624558880690178 …

A3 it’s important to be part of the group and not parachute in with the attitude of a savior; must listen to what the group wants #critlib

A2 In addition to groups others have mentioned, @librarieswehere are doing important work within LIS. Not sure if they'd consider it "activist" exactly, but it's at least adjacent in my mind. #critlib

@IreneKorber What a great idea! We’re showcasing our zine collection now, and I hope we can encourage students to make zines to display #critlib

@AlexandraAlisa We've had libs do personal information management workshops #critlib

A1: just doing research for my activist group I work with, I know where to find govt open data and train them on digital security #critlib  https://twitter.com/NicoleG_Haus/status/930624668201115648 …

#critlib Q3: @radref / librarians can help out activist groups by fighting against private surveillance. ex. standing rock and the mercenary group Tiger Swan. librarians can get embedded and notify community members about how information is collected by the gov/companies.

A2 merging community, social spaces and #libraries like our local bookshop @JuraBooks nicely does #critlib

A3 It's important to first do a lot of listening and recognize your position, so you're not parachuting in and your contributions are useful & welcomed #critlib

@cha_cjb Yes! Once I get this project going I hope to have zine making workshops maybe once a month or a few times a semester #critlib

@jenhoyer Yes! And this also makes me think about @edrabinski's point re: union work that librarians are natural organizers. #critlib A3

A3 Also, just being a point person for people to talk to. Makes my office door a bit of a revolving one, but the insights are worth the scheduling nightmares. #critlib

@AlexandraAlisa THIS SO MUCH (my helpful comment /s) #critlib

Glad you mentioned libguides, they are a really good way to feature all perspectives on a topic and offer the information to a wider audience, though through a corporate-controlled system #critlib  https://twitter.com/metageeky/status/930625958746435584 …

#critlib I talk to students everyday, in Ref convo, classes, etc about issues of justuce, Crit analysis..just try to be someone to talk to  https://twitter.com/mckale_pratt/status/930625923740815360 …

@mauraweb @edrabinski and, taking minutes for organizations is its own incredible kind of support work. I am darn proud of my minute-taking skills. #critlib

This always but particularly in libraries #critlib  https://twitter.com/eamontewell/status/930626501141200896 …

A3 I've been so inspired by many of my archivist friends who have helped assist communities in preserving their neighborhoods and organizations. #critlib

@mauraweb @NYCRadRef @metageeky @NicoleG_Haus I am learning this as I go( this may change) but setting boundaries with your time and thinking of terms of collaboration not service. #critlib

@jenhoyer @mauraweb @edrabinski But why are the [female] librarians ALWAYS the ones asked to take the minutes? #critlib

#critlib technical services (acquisitions, cataloging, metadata, & access services) are intertwined with radref - don't leave them out. need to be a radical library together all staff

#critlib A3 Agreed! Much of radical librarianship grew out of tech services Sandy Berman, et al  https://twitter.com/k_swickard/status/930626915664318464 …

@mauraweb @metageeky @NicoleG_Haus I make sure to intersperse the parts of this work that feel like "work" with the parts that feel like "super fun", and then somehow it balances out... Oh also massages. As often as I can afford them. #critlib

A3 PS if ya’ll have more to share about this topic, consider filling out this survey:  http://bit.ly/2grcaAX  Responses will inform a little guide I and some others in @NYCRadRef are putting together for infoworkers who want to use their skills in community groups #critlib

@EamonTewell this so much. i think being able to match our own skills will community needs. in a way, it's bit like being an empathic ethnographer. #critlib

@jenhoyer @mauraweb @metageeky @NicoleG_Haus I took a while last week to make flyers for our upcoming game night. Work but didn't feel "worky" #critlib

Keep on keeping on w/this great discussion, but let's get to Q4: How can we keep up the momentum & sustainability in our activist library work? #critlib

Q4! How can we keep up the momentum and sustainability in our activist library work? #critlib

A4 Caffeine. Pastries. Kitty snuggles. #critlib

A4 The best suggestions 👇🏻 #critlib  https://twitter.com/metageeky/status/930627933823258624 …

@mauraweb Same but dog snuggles ;) #critlib

A2 - Any group or organization that support QTBIPOC library staff are activist in nature. Existing in these spaces, which were built to exclude us, is radical and contributes to the work of RadRef - community representation matters! #critlib

A4. #critlib Be kind, show compassion for ourselves & others, understand who & what we're fighting for and against.

A4 - I often worry about the sustainability of such incredible initiatives with such high demand. Moving forward, I see RadRef being more of a space to connect people with library skills and activists and community organizers #critlib

A4 (Cont) - I am inspired by what I have learned from Indigenous activists regarding relationality and reciprocity - it's important to know that our work can contribute to something constructive for the communities we care about/are a part of #critlib

A4 (Cont) I also think there is something to being available for others, as a community of practice, and uplifting those who do this work in the library community - IT'S HARD OUT THERE #critlib

A4 this is a tough question! Goes back to burnout discussion earlier in this chat. For me, meeting regularly has helped. But I’m interested in others’ ideas #critlib

#critlib A4 clear concrete goals, regular group work...

A4 But seriously, we have to accept that we're merely human organisms. We can't fight every fight on our own. It's okay to tackle only some of the issues. #critlib

@metageeky @jenhoyer @mauraweb @NicoleG_Haus We host them at our library! Partnering with student orgs and got some funding to purchase board games and an xbox. Fun and a way to create space for students #critlib

Don't forget warm outreach to users, it is sustaining/rewarding to self as well as helpful to cause #critlib

A4 Do this work with friends. or turn the people you do it with into friends. #critlib

oops #critlib  https://twitter.com/LNBel/status/930628479820984321 …

A4 #critlib back to what @foureyedsoul said about @librarieswehere but having that group to vent, ask questions, find mentors has been incredibly helpful and sustaining for me as a POC first-gen student

Next meeting, we are coloring and sending cards to LGBTQ prisoners courtesy of Black and Pink #critlib  https://twitter.com/jenhoyer/status/930627461838245888 …

But here's another big thing I'm learning. Get administrators involved. They need to show up at workshops, trainings, etc. #critlib

Learning how and when to say no is one of the most valuable skills I've learned as an activist over the past couple of years. #critlib  https://twitter.com/metageeky/status/930628434023403521 …

@metageeky Agreed. It makes a huge difference to have backing from admin #critlib

<-- Trying not to RT every A4, all so great #critlib

#critlib  https://twitter.com/piebrarian/status/930628525375217665 …

@NYCRadRef I am so excited for this meeting, for real. I have my colored pencils ready! #critlib

A4 Choose carefully where you direct your efforts and where they're needed. @NYCRadRef decided we don't need more protest calendars or resource lists, for example #critlib

Yes, definitely try your hardest not to duplicate others' work, even if you think you could do it better. Build upon foundations already laid by others; don't reinvent the wheel! #critlib  https://twitter.com/EamonTewell/status/930629439205138432 …

A4 #critlib one takeaway for me from #DLFforum was how important the labor conversation is, and it's something I hadn't encountered before in a meaningful way. Don't tell me to lean in to fight imposter syndrome; organize to give me the tools to do it.

Q4: I think consistent meetings, planning events that happen in the not so distant future, and doing things that have low barriers to entry (this chat) keep us sustainable #critlib

@LNBel The interface isn't as simple, but if you want to away from SpringShare, you can bend other things into alternatives. Here's a LibGuides-esque site we made on GitHub using a free blog template:  https://ilasjc.github.io/about/  #critlib

A4 I've been working on showing up to opportunities to learn from those of you wrenching this profession toward radical and socially just. Thank you, many of you are here tonight #critlib

A3 Lots of activist groups need help with policy analysis, answering questions. For ex, there's been a proposed Research Service Working Group in Democratic Socialists of America #critlib

A4. self care. self care. self care. #critlib

And peer care, peer care, peer care. Some of us are too obstinate to realize we need to take care of ourselves instead of fighting the fight. #critlib  https://twitter.com/ohelmiller/status/930629763043069952 …

Q5 What would you like to see RadRef do or be? How can we make it happen? #critlib

And feel free to keep on with all of the Qs #critlib folks! Just want to be mindful of the time.

A5 - I want RadRef to be a space where library folx can contribute to QTBIPOC futurism and use these research skills towards sustaining relationships and building communities #critlib

A5 (Cont) - This isn't only in physical spaces either - activists are doing incredible work in virtual spaces and they require help with digital preservation, curation of digital projects, outreach - expertise that librarians can provide #critlib

Q5 I think the radical art community and culture creators could use radref help, not just journalists #critlib

@foureyedsoul worthwhile work and thank you, but not something I'm going to be able to do - going to have to use what's available, but to project social justice so its half ok #critlib

@rkernoch come visit @InterferenceArc :-) #critlib

@rkernoch Absolutely! #critlib

A3 be inspired -> start with your library co-workers -> check your radar for what matters socially to you -> connect -> be inspired #critlib

A5 #critlib twitter isn't the most intuitive format for me, so between not being able to track convos very well and not being able to make twitter chats, I've mostly been doing readings from the website when I can. (cont. 1/?)

@LNBel It's a tool that was already available to me. Plus, GitHub's a corporation with its own sketchy history & downsides. #critlib

A5 More self-education and trainings, more presence at protests! The great thing about RadRef, #critlib, and otherwise is they are what you make them.

A5 This is tricky, @NYCRadRef we talk about maybe bringing back the online Q&A but that's a big time investment. Still thinking. #critlib

Also is there space for people who are doing this work without being formally involved with a @RadReference initiative? There are tons of people who are engaged in activism / with activists without the support of such a community #critlib

@mauraweb @NYCRadRef I think we should too shhhh #critlib

A5. I want to know more about how to start a @RadReference group out here in flyover country. Or something similar! #critlib

@violetbfox @RadReference Or anywhere! #critlib

A5 Basically the same here, but in a more mountains & deserts part of flyover country. #critlib  https://twitter.com/violetbfox/status/930631433512738816 …

A5 I’d love for RadRef be a group/place where info workers can come together and share strategies from the work they do in other activist groups. #critlib

A5: I see RadRef as a vehicle for community engagement. I don't have specific ideas (yet!) but I feel like there a way that we RR can help re-frame the libraries ROI conversation and tie it back to community impact. #critlib

#critlib, also try to marketing what we can do in libraries to rise more attention and public awareness

It is tricky, & yet so core to what we could offer as library/info type people A5/ #critlib  https://twitter.com/mauraweb/status/930631066515394560 …

Q5: I would like to see us organize more trainings and plan more events but we are atill building back up infrastructure #critlib

whoops, forgot to hashtag #critlib A5 part 2  https://twitter.com/databrarian/status/930631188036882432 …

A5 I’d love RadRef to be a place where activists can go to get help. But outreach is challenging. And also, is there a need for generic resources? Maybe some. But seems fruitful to focus on specific relationships/collaborations #critlib

A5 maybe there can be a once a year or twice a year online connected rad ref meeting so everyone outside NYC can join in? #critlib

#critlib include all library staff & librarians even those not using all the social media - every library staff does some sort of reference interaction

@EamonTewell Union solidarity for instance ;) #critlib

@databrarian #critlib love the idea of a syllabus/intro for LIS students new to the profession/crit theory. this has been a challenge for me too

A5 The @NYCRadRef folks are talking about adding resources to the website, these suggestions are terrific, thanks y'all! #critlib

@databrarian Also for LIS professionals who weren't exposed to #critlib in school and perhaps stumbled upon it quite by accident doing self education (hi me)

Also, y'all, sorry for the atrocious grammar + spelling. Twitter chats make me nervous! :/ #critlib

@mckale_pratt #critlib what I'd like to see (or do? when i have time for that podcast haha) is something specifically from student pov. Less info coming down from on high by ~experts~ more discussion and personal stories about what it *means* and why it matters

@LNBel YES PLZ #critlib

A5 Re: intro to critical theory, what if someone made a short video/s about top theorists likely to be encountered in library school or related to the info profession. since the future is video. it could be a capstone even? #critlib

So we are out of time, thank you for #critlib chatting! Feel free to post any pitches that you have, and folks can keep chatting too!

Before we head out, is there a volunteer to Storify tonight's #critlib chat? Hit us up at @NYCRadRef if so. Thx!

@databrarian i'd be very interested in listening to/contributing to that! #critlib

@mauraweb Thanks for a great chat! #critlib

thanks to all of you. if anyone wants to chat more about local collectives or anything else, get in touch! #critlib

@cynth You did great! I mistyped the date a few days ago, it was fine. #critlib

Pitch - I am really looking forward to the ART-NEA Joint conference in NewHaven in March. Scholarship deadline has been extended for students and others needing support to attend #critlib  https://www.nycarchivists.org/resources/NEA-A.R.T.%20Spring%202018%20Joint%20Meeting%20Scholarship%20Announcement.pdf …

Thanks #critlib for an inspiring chat this evening!

thanks #critlib! had a lovely chat :)

Thanks everyone, awesome chat tonight, so grateful to mod with the rad @NicoleG_Haus and @Audrey_Sage_ #critlib

@mauraweb @Audrey_Sage_ @NicoleG_Haus thanks so much for moderating! This was fantastic! #critlib

Thanks #critlib ! I hope I remember to tune in again next time 😂

#critlib @mauraweb @NYCRadRef @zinelib Thank you all! I’m going to return to the YouTube doc about Charles Schultz now :)

@NYCRadRef @cynth I always do these from my phone so am 200% sure there are errors/typos/whatevs #critlib

Thanks all for a great chat; so nice to meet y'all and get re-energized for our work! #critlib

Thanks #critlib and see you @NYCRadRef ers at the next meeting

For those wanting to get involved in #radref, DM me or the @NYCRadRef and we'll get you on our email lists #critlib

thank you all for filling me in on so many resources I wasn't previously aware of! #critlib

Don't forget, if you want to see something happen, you've got to make it happen, organizing is hard but worth it #critlib

@mckale_pratt @databrarian I'd LOVE to listen to / read something like that from students! A few of us tried to make a sort of "here's some theory starting points" thing a couple years ago but got hung up on feeling like we'd come across as positioning ourselves as "on high." #critlib

Thanks! Next time is 11/28, same time, #critlib and comics, modded by the awesome @ohelmiller and @stephliana!  https://twitter.com/cha_cjb/status/930633698801680384 …

If you're looking to get involved, DM us about the email list, there is a Facebook group, or come to our meeting on Dec 14! #critlib

Oof I'm tired moderating and monitoring the chat! Thankd everybody for coming out abd @mauraweb and @Audrey_Sage_ for moderating with me! #critlib

Thank #critlib! and good night to all. Until next time!

Thanks everybody for a great #critlib chat. Very energizing!

@chelleinthelib @EamonTewell I agree w/the idea that whiteness is a clear factor in a lot of reference but as a latina lib, privilege is also a looming factor #critlib

Catching up on another fantastic #critlib

Can't believe I forgot and missed the @NYCRadRef #critlib chat last night 😩we moved over the weekend and our lives are still upside down

So bummed I missed last night's #critlib about Radical Reference! Can't wait to read the Storify

Anyone in the Chicago area interested in starting a local collective? #radref #critlib