For immediate release | January 25, 2024

Core Webinar - Best of Core Forum: Using Critical Reflection to Navigate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Issues

CHICAGO—Join Core for the webinar "Best of Core Forum: Using Critical Reflection to Navigate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Issues" on February 27, 2024, at 1 p.m. CT. Over the last several years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become critical issues for the library community. This essential focus is codified in the Diversity section of the American Library Association’s "Core Values of Librarianship." At the same time, the tremendous benefit of creating more inclusive libraries is becoming increasingly apparent. Everything from improving a library's ability to respond to the needs of its community to attracting a workforce with broad skills can be improved by building inclusive libraries, yet becoming competent in this area can be challenging and deeply emotional. Situations can be complex to navigate and individuals can experience shame, fear, and self-disappointment. In her book, How to Be an Inclusive Leader, author Jennifer Brown describes a model for navigating self-growth in this area. The Inclusive Leaders Continuum includes four stages: Unaware, Aware, Active, and Advocate. Particularly in the Aware stage, Brown calls for "deep self-reflection and internal dialogue." One way of doing this is through intentional critical reflection, actively observing experiences often through writing, while offering practical tools for continuous learning. This session will explore Brown's model, emphasizing the Aware stage, and present specific reflective techniques that participants can use to increase their own competencies.

This webinar was previously presented in-person as a session at the 2023 Core Forum. We are hosting this webinar, with the session adapted and presented live as a virtual event, to extend its reach.

Best of Core Forum: Using Critical Reflection to Navigate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Issues

Live Webinar:
Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 1 - 2 p.m. CT

Presenters:

Megan Davis, Associate Professor and Librarian, Instruction and Research Services Unit, Albertsons Library, Boise State University, Boise, ID

Michelle Armstrong, Associate Dean, Albertsons Library, Boise State University, Boise, ID

Registration Fees:

Core Member: $57.67

ALA Member: $71.10

Nonmember: $79.00

How Do I Purchase Group Registration?

You can register a group by specifying the number of people who will be accessing the webinar during checkout. We offer webinars discounts based on the number of registrations you specify at checkout. If you are a Core member, you can purchase seats for yourself and your colleagues at the Core discount rate; ALA's new e-Learning store allows you to extend Core member savings to colleagues at your institution.

Can't attend the live event? No problem! All registrants will receive a link to the recorded session for later viewing at their convenience.

Register online or by phone at 1-800-545-2433 (press 1 to reach our customer service representatives).

For questions or comments related to Core webinars, please contact Core staff at corece@ala.org.

About Core

Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is the national association that advances the profession of librarians and information providers in central roles of leadership and management, collections and technical services, and technology. Our mission is to cultivate and amplify the collective expertise of library workers in core functions through community building, advocacy, and learning. Core is a division of the American Library Association. Follow us on our Blog, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Contact:

Mia Blixt-Shehan

Continuing Education Assistant

American Library Association

Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures

mblixtshehan@ala.org