Author: kristyna.carroll@gmail.com

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Fall 2016 Program Report – CritLib: Theory and Action

CritLib: Theory and Action

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Photo by Cathy Ogur

An engaged group arrived Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Inn at Swarthmore to learn what is behind conversations tagged #critlib. CritLib, or critical librarianship, is a movement to bring social justice principles into our work in libraries. CritLib aims to engage participants in discussion about critical perspectives on library practice. At this workshop, participants began the day exploring the CritLib movement and personal identity. Following the ACRL/DVC Business meeting, attendees heard a panel of  librarians share three approaches to helping students learn to think critically and take action. The workshop ended with exercises to help us look at our personal and social identities. We discussed and reflected on their impact on our interactions.

If you’d like to know more, please read on! The following agenda includes links to a report about each of the sessions.

Agenda

Keynote

“From the Personal to the Theoretical, or a Love Letter to bell hooks”
Veronica Arellano Douglas, Reference & Instruction Librarian, St. Mary’s College
→ session report by Carol Howe

Delaware Valley Chapter Business Meeting

→ session report by Cathy Ogur

CritLib in Practice Panel Session

“Hiring and Instruction,” Jeremy McGinniss, Library Director, Clarks Summit University

“Subverting Power: Let the Students Teach,” Romel Espinel, Web Services Librarian, Stevens Institute of Technology

“Just Do Something About Social Justice,” Adam Mizelle, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Widener University

→ session report by Nancy Bellafante

Closing Discussion

“Your Social Identity Snapshot,” DeVon Jackson, Assistant Director for Leadership Programs & Cultural Development, Villanova University
→ session report by Cathy Ogur

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ACRL/DVC Awards Scholarship to Alexandra Wilder

In November, Martha Stevenson, President of the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Association of the College & Research Libraries (ACRL/DVC) presented Alexandra Wilder with a $1,000 stipend in support of her MLIS studies at Drexel University. Alexandra is currently Manager of Public Programs for the Rosenbach Museum & Library. In her application, Alexandra stated, “I want to continue and expand upon my work in libraries and give back some of what they have given me. Libraries are not only sources of information, but they are sources of connection and community in so many lives.”  The ACRL/DVC Board congratulates Alexandra and wishes her much success.

Each year, ACRL/DVC invites any library school student living or working in the chapter’s service area (eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware) and currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited program to apply for the scholarship.