Ideas for Resisting White Supremacy Culture in Academic Libraries by https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840 Supplement to 2020 ALAO Preconference session, "From Being to Doing: Anti-racism as Action at Work," presented by Ione T. Damasco. en-us 2020-10-12 16:10:33 UTC 2021-11-18 02:19:12 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f4a1.png Let's use this space to share ideas for actionable steps we can take to dismantle the characteristics of white supremacy culture that show up in our workplaces. Our goal is to transform our academic library workplaces into places of sustained and active anti-racist actions. idamasco1 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/822137212 2020-10-12 16:23:16 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/822137212 Presenter: Ione T. Damasco idamasco1 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/822145887 Watch the original ALAO conference presentation here: https://youtu.be/xTXlNHmScbQ
Twitter: @biblio_ione]]> 2020-10-12 16:25:54 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/822145887 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871291596 Being overly self-critical and holding myself to a standard of perfection contributes to a toxic culture that will ultimately harm my BIPOC colleagues]]> 2020-10-28 20:18:55 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871291596 Having set EDI conversations/training as part of staff meetings https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871292415 2020-10-28 20:19:13 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871292415 Revising cataloging descriptions/subject headings created from a racist/white supremacist/colonist lens. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871292743 2020-10-28 20:19:21 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871292743 Decolonize curriculum https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871293022 2020-10-28 20:19:27 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871293022 Build awareness https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871293686 Build awareness of the harm of these white supremacist characteristics seen as "virtues," like over-working]]> 2020-10-28 20:19:41 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871293686 Call out microagressions https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871293710 2020-10-28 20:19:42 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871293710 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871294775 Fight this idea that libraries are neutral (for instance, when a patron suggests that a library's collection should be "neutral.")]]> 2020-10-28 20:20:06 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871294775 My institution has formed a Diversity and Inclusion Committee (I'm on it) https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871295122 2020-10-28 20:20:14 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871295122 don't be colorblind https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871295506 2020-10-28 20:20:23 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871295506 Take all work breaks and insist reports do to push back against over-working https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871295806 2020-10-28 20:20:30 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871295806 Be OK with discomfort https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871295807 2020-10-28 20:20:30 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871295807 Encourage having discussions about EDI outside of just a "normal staff meeting" so that it can be the focus, rather than just another part of a meeting that can't have a lot of time devoted to it. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871296826 2020-10-28 20:20:55 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871296826 Don't just delegate, collaborate https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871297893 2020-10-28 20:21:19 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871297893 model inclusive behavior https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871298891 2020-10-28 20:21:42 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871298891 Understanding that white people can contribute to EDI conversations. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871300144 2020-10-28 20:22:12 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871300144 Displaying culturally relevant objects/signs in my workspace. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871300282 2020-10-28 20:22:16 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871300282 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871300541 I am serving on my institutions IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Committee.

]]> 2020-10-28 20:22:22 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871300541 Draw attention to less known/used parts of our collections that document traditionally underrepresented voices, perspectives, experiences, stories, and histories. And also redirect collection development efforts accordingly. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871301421 2020-10-28 20:22:43 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871301421 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871301444 "Cultural fit" is a product of racism]]> 2020-10-28 20:22:43 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871301444 Look at how the library as a space can be more welcoming to BIPOC. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871302564 2020-10-28 20:23:12 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871302564 Take more time to support and recognize the work of my colleagues, rather than just looking to the next thing. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871304503 2020-10-28 20:23:58 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871304503 Creating a safe space for BIPOC colleagues. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871304945 2020-10-28 20:24:08 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871304945 really think through and unpack your hiring practices for its whiteness https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871306138 2020-10-28 20:24:38 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871306138 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871306901 Allyship is a process--you will make mistakes! Learn from them.]]> 2020-10-28 20:24:53 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871306901 Reject deficit thinking. Embrace a Funds of Knowledge approach. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871307717 2020-10-28 20:25:11 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871307717 Don't respond to every security issue in the library by calling the police https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871308346 2020-10-28 20:25:24 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871308346 Having crucial conversations and practice active listening. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871308890 2020-10-28 20:25:37 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871308890 Regularly show appreciation for good efforts and good work. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871309087 2020-10-28 20:25:41 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871309087 If you notice that there are people who are not being heard, do what you can as an ally to make sure other voices - marginalized voices -can be heard. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871309122 2020-10-28 20:25:42 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871309122 If you haven't already, work to eliminate things like fines, which are a barrier to library usage. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871312527 2020-10-28 20:27:02 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871312527 Ask and listen to our minoritized students about their own experiences, especially about the library. https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871313180 2020-10-28 20:27:16 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871313180 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871313366 Ensure the library collection includes material that reflects non-white cultures--both in authors and in content.]]> 2020-10-28 20:27:20 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871313366 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871317421 Add preferred names/pronouns to your library users' database.]]> 2020-10-28 20:28:53 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871317421 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871317940 Make sure your EDI efforts aren't just lip service. ]]> 2020-10-28 20:29:04 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871317940 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871324724 2020-10-28 20:31:32 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871324724 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871328522 Acknowledge/recognize hardships faced by BIPOC who are also LGBTQIA and/or disabled. ]]> 2020-10-28 20:32:55 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871328522 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871329178 Contribute #ownvoices suggestions for book club/book discussions.]]> 2020-10-28 20:33:09 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871329178 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871335386 For us white people in the culture, keep quiet. Think before we speak. ]]> 2020-10-28 20:35:33 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871335386 Searches https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871337927 What is TRULY required vs what could be learned, coached, developed on the job. Do you devalue remote LIS programs when reading a CV?]]> 2020-10-28 20:36:28 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871337927 Using "we" https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871345511 When you say "we," be sure you really mean everyone. On the other hand, white people add "we" when it's appropriate to include ourselves in the group we represent. (I'm not expressing this quite right, but for example--if a white person is posting a comment on a news story about a racist event somewhere and just says "People need to change their behavior!", that's when we need to start including ourselves--"WE need to change OUR behavior!" or even better "White people, WE need to do better!" ]]> 2020-10-28 20:39:21 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/871345511 Nicola Andrews article, "IT’S NOT IMPOSTER SYNDROME: RESISTING SELF-DOUBT AS NORMAL FOR LIBRARY WORKERS" offers a lot of ideas, in particular look at APPENDIX A: INSTITUTIONAL IP TEST (link to PDF) isabelespinal https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/878642682 2020-10-31 14:20:26 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/878642682 When BIPOC librarians critique the problematics of whiteness in your library isabelespinal https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/879993651 Listen to BIPOC librarians. If you are a Dean, administrator or manager, do not get defensive when BIPOC librarians offer their critiques or simply tell their stories of being harmed. Reach out to them to genuinely ask about their experiences and do not dismiss their analyses and stories. Apologize for any past defensiveness that resulted in dismissal of the narratives of BIPOC librarians. Take actions to repair the harm of past negligence of their needs and past white defensiveness you yourself may have exhibited.]]> 2020-11-01 14:31:43 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/879993651 Make time https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/995411231 Make time for "big picture" and hallway discussions to allow chances for learning, sharing, and democratic processes. We're often so rushed or overwhelmed by work that we ignore this part of our jobs.]]> 2020-12-07 18:34:51 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/995411231 Support Colleagues https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/995422294 Watch for colleagues challenging the status quo or speaking out or opening a discussion and SUPPORT them instead of dismissing their ideas.]]> 2020-12-07 18:37:01 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/995422294 https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/1151080912 2021-02-01 21:35:12 UTC https://padlet.com/idamasco1/m4vqaq05w34h0840/wish/1151080912