Social Justice and Activism in Libraries

In a changing world, with multiple and often conflicting voices, the library’s important role as a location of safety and inclusion as well as the crusader for knowledge cannot be overstated. It can be easy to reflect differing perspectives in our collections and displays, but if we do not practice our values, we are lacking. As leaders in our communities, librarians have an obligation to educate and inform; we must be ready to lead and model the principles we support. The question that arises for many is: how?

As an integral part of the community, libraries need to move beyond diverse collection development and social issues displays. Here, experienced librarians offer suggestions, guidance and inspiration to motivate librarians at all levels to consider the assumptions we may take for granted, seek out new creative paths, and work to support change in our organizations. Be it steps to create a book group for the intellectually disabled, partnering with social workers or advocacy for employees with disabilities from within, included in these chapters are both theoretical foundation and hands on practical ideas.