Q1. What is the role of library records, especially archival descriptions, in documenting atrocity in relation to intergenerational trauma(s)? #critlib
Q2. Have members of your community ever expressed concern to you about upsetting visuals? Either displayed in the library or turned up in library books or databases? How have you responded? #critlib
Q3. How have you incorporated content warnings with your community to contextualize images that could be dehumanizing or distressing? What has gone well, or what might you try differently next time? #critlib
Q4. How does PTSD and other trauma-related disability impact the experience of education and work in archives, libraries, and similar institutions? #critlib
Note: Some of these questions may be difficult to answer candidly in a public forum like Twitter. Participants are encouraged to tweet anonymously if it seems prudent.
Q1. How does the presence of police, security officers, or other security personnel affect Black, Indigenous, and other people of color’s ability to freely and safely access your library’s resources and materials? What would have to be the case for BIPOC to be and feel safe in libraries? #critlib
Q2. How have you handled situations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abuse, or other gendered violence (including anti-LGBTQ violence) in the library without involving security/police in the past? In an ideal workplace, how would you and other library staff handle these situations? #critlib
Q3: How have disability and health issues (including visible or audible symptoms, mental or physical health emergencies, perceived addiction or alcoholism, etc.) been criminalized in libraries where you have worked, and what is a health-based response that could have been used instead? #critlib
Q4. There have been increased threats of organized white nationalist and anti-LGBTQ violence in the past couple decades, including everything from verbal harassment to mass shootings. In the event of supremacists or a mass shooter targeting your library, what would have to be the case for you to feel safe and prepared without relying on police? #critlib
Q5. If you have succeeded in starting conversations with coworkers, or supervisors about alternative means to maintain library safety and behavioral boundaries without calling police, how did you do it? What was well received and what wasn’t? #critlib
image description of Alternatives to Police Poster Series:
[A series of posters in bold, bright colors with black text overlaid.
The first is red and reads, “Some folks are on benches in the park. Imagine… …A city employee comes by and checks in to see if they need a place to sleep, food, water, or health care. An hour later, those who want a different place to sleep have one. Isn’t that public safety?”
The second is purple and reads, “Someone is talking to themselves on the bus. Imagine… …They ride the bus without being bothered. An hour later they are at their destination and going on with their day. Isn’t that public safety?”
The third is yellow and reads, “Someone is behaving erratically & in harm’s way. Imagine… …Texting a number & an unarmed urgent responder trained in behavioral and mental health comes within 5 minutes. An hour later that person is safe & getting the support they need. Isn’t that public safety?”
The fourth is green and reads, “You don’t realize but your brake lights aren’t working. Imagine… …A city employee signals for you to pull over & says ‘Hey, how about I replace those lights for you right here so no one gets hurt?’ An hour later, both lights work & you’re at home. Isn’t that public safety?
The fifth is pink and reads, “You are experiencing intimate partner violence. Imagine… …Texting a number & a trauma informed crisis intervention specialist meets you in a safe place. An hour later you are working together to make a plan that will keep you safe long term. Isn’t that public safety?”
The sixth is green and reads, “Someone is selling drugs to youth who are overdosing. Imagine… …Being connected to a substance use service that intervenes in harmful drug transactions. Youth are supported in healthy outcomes & the seller takes accountability for harm. Isn’t that public safety?”
The seventh is orange and reads, “Your friends are intoxicated & fighting but you don’t want them to get in trouble. Imagine… …You call +311 and a crisis intervention team comes to your door. 1 hour later, your friends are sleeping it off at home. Isn’t that public safety?”
The eighth is teal and reads, “Incidents of gun violence are rising in the neighborhood. Imagine… …A trauma informed crisis intervention team works with community activists to disarm and deescalate conflicts. People doing harm are connected to services that address the underlying problem. Isn’t that public safety?”
The ninth is violet and reads, “You are experiencing a mental health crisis & afraid. Imagine… …You call +311 & a first responder trained in mental health comes to your door. 1 hour later, you are in a safe place with your consent, with plans for follow up care. Isn’t that public safety?”
The tenth is red and reads, “Someone seems to be snooping in car windows on your block. Imagine… …Calling your neighbors who are trained in self-defense & deescalation & approaching the person. An hour later the conflict is resolved & the person responsible is getting the support they need. Isn’t that public safety?”
Q1. When did you first learn about Melvil Dewey’s racism/anti-semitism/misogyny? How did you learn about it? #critlib
Q2. In addition to the DDC, Melvil Dewey made a huge impact. In your daily work in libraries, or when you study libraries, where do you see evidence of his influence? #critlib
Q3. How can we address Dewey’s ongoing influence in libraries and repair some of the harm he caused? #critlib
Q4. Dewey was censured during his life, though librarianship continued to revere him (his name was attached to the ALA Lifetime Achievement award until 2019). Why is librarianship only just now coming to terms with this legacy? #critlib
Q5. The example of Melvil Dewey indicates that librarianship often ignores its history. What resources would you recommend to help people learn more about how librarianship got to where it is today? #critlib
note: Some of these questions may be difficult to answer candidly in a public forum like Twitter. Participants have a number of options for anonymity: you can send a direct message to @SNAP_Section, send a message to the SNAP RT through the anonymous form on this page, or tweet via the @CritLib_anon twitter account through the anonymous form on this page.
suggested resources:
S. Williams. All Labor is Local, keynote speech at Digital Library Federation Forum (2016).
Please share additional resources using #snaprt or #critlib on Twitter or through the SNAP section SAA listserv.
discussion questions:
Q1. What can archivists & librarians do to create greater solidarity in our professions? #critlib #snaprt #critarch
Q2. How do short term-funded projects in libs & archives contribute to perpetuation of systemic oppression in the info professions? #critlib #snaprt #critarch
Q3. How can lib & archives orgs advocate for & mitigate harm to workers? #critlib #snaprt #critarch
Q4. How can archivists & libs shift the perception of contingent work as necessary? #critlib #snaprt #critarch
Q5. How can supervisors of early career libs & archivists support new profs re: labor issues? #critlib #snaprt #critarch
Note: Some of these questions may be difficult to answer candidly in a public forum like Twitter. Participants are encouraged to tweet anonymously if it seems prudent.
suggested resources:
IDEAL 19: Advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in Libraries & Archives. The Ohio State University. https://library.osu.edu/ideal-19
Instead of predetermined questions, the moderators will be hosting an informal discussion about how Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) are proposed and evaluated. Please read the chapter below and bring your questions and curiosity to the chat!
Q1. What are the rationales behind charging fines and fees in libraries? How effective are they in meeting those goals? #critlib
Q2. Which of our patrons are most directly affected by library fines and fees? In what ways do fines affect patron access to and perception of libraries? #critlib
Q3. What are some different strategies for trying to go fee-free? In which kinds of libraries would each strategy work best? #critlib
Q4. What apprehensions do you have about going fee-free? What challenges would you need to overcome if you wanted to implement fewer (or no) fees? #critlib
Q1. What should new or prospective students know about library school before they begin their programs? #critlib
Q2. What has been (or was) the most beneficial aspect of your library program? What aspect(s) of your library program experience could be improved? #critlib
Q3. How can library school students and new library workers work towards a more equitable and diverse librarianship? How are equity and diversity addressed (if at all) in your LIS courses? #critlib
Q4. Do you/did you have a mentor in library school? If so, what impact has it had on your school experience and/or your career? #critlib
Q5. What scares (scared) you the most about the job hunting process? If you’ve been through the job hunt and were successful, was there anything you feared that turned out not to be a big deal? #critlib
