Engaging with issues of diversity and inclusion at ALA Midwinter Meeting

CHICAGO — From the creation of #WeNeedDiverseBooks to the heroic response of the Ferguson Public Library, diversity and inclusion have played key roles in the library conversation this year. Whether with annual traditions – MLK Sunrise Celebration with Dr. Cornel West and REFORMA’s Noche de Cuentos – or updates on new projects - The Social Justice Collaboratorium and A Conversation on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - the 2015 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in Chicago, January 30-February 3, will offer great opportunities to engage in important conversations.

The easiest way to find and add events and sessions to your schedule is to search using the terms “diversity” and “inclusion” on the conference scheduler. You can focus a search using the pull-down menu (“Narrow by”) with topics including accessibility, equity of access, literacy, multicultural services and special needs populations. In addition to many other discussions and events, some highlights to consider include:

News You Can Use sessions: Diversity Research Update; Blood Donations: Facts, Fear and Discrimination; Women In Geekdom: How to Reach Out to the Nerds in Your Community; Enabling Acts: The Hidden Story of How the Americans with Disabilities Act Gave the Largest US Minority Its Rights; The Social Justice Collaboratorium: Illuminating Pathways between Social Justice Issues and LIS; and Adult Literacy through Library Engagement

Facilitated conversations: A Conversation on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (an opportunity to engage with colleagues in a facilitated dialogue designed to elicit honest conversation on these issues that affect all of us); and “Leading in Times of Crisis: A Conversation with Ferguson (Mo) Library Director Scott Bonner,” a special Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) session.

Ignite sessions: The Kids Are Not All White; 20 Kids/Teens Titles to Diversify Your Collection Today; Equity and Inclusion in LIS through iDiversity; Geek Culture and Diversity in Library Spaces; Embedding Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Everything We Do.

Racial and ethnic diversity in literature: Noche de Cuentos (REFORMA); Diversity Matters: Stepping It Up With Action!; PopTop Stage - Diversity League; Youth Media Awards.

Meetings: A wide range of open task force, committee, round table, affiliate and discussion group meetings also provide opportunities for conversations that help the association and members work toward shared goals.

Review the scheduler for open meetings at Midwinter, and stay connected to member groups after the Meeting by exploring ALA Connect.

Register and book housing for 2015 ALA Midwinter Meeting and Exhibits in Chicago, Jan. 30-Feb. 3, at alamidwinter.org. Use these resources to make your case for attending.

Stay in touch and get updates at the Midwinter website, use the Scheduler, track the tag-- #alamw15, join the Facebook Event, and find us on Tumblr, Google+, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Related Links

ALA Midwinter Meeting website

Midwinter Meeting Scheduler

Track #alamw15 on Twitter

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