Understanding Power, Identity, and Oppression in the Public Library

In alignment with ALA’s strategic direction on equity, diversity, and inclusion, this on-demand webinar provides an introductory understanding of the concepts of power, identity, and oppression, and how they impact public libraries’ staff, services, programs, collections, and spaces. Through presentation and dialogue, the panelists discuss the role of allies in addressing these concepts.

Participants were asked to view this TED talk with author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Originally presented December 5, 2017.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will:

• Have gained an introduction to concepts of power, privilege, and oppression;
• Understand how privilege and oppression play out in public libraries—interpersonally and institutionally; and
• Be aware of opportunities and strategies for interrupting oppression and the role of allies.

Additional Resources

• Slideshow (PDF, 25 pgs.)
• Handout (PDF, 3 pgs.)
• ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS)
• ODLOS Glossary of Terms
• PLA Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is open to everyone interested in gaining a better understanding of the concepts of power, identity, and oppression, and how they impact public libraries’ staff, services, programs, collections, and spaces.

Panelists

Katie Dover-Taylor (she/her/hers) is a reference librarian at the William P. Faust Public Library in Westland, Mich., where she focuses on library technology and digital literacy training. Katie has developed her understanding of power and oppression in public libraries through both community organizing and scholarship. In 2015 and 2016, she co-coordinated the Radical Librarianship Track at the Allied Media Conference, bringing the first official gathering of library-centric content to an annual conference which draws a diverse spectrum of creative and technology-savvy people engaged in social justice work. In 2017, Katie co-authored the chapter "Disrupting Whiteness: Three Perspectives on White Anti-Racist Librarianship" for Topographies of Whiteness: Mapping Whiteness in Library and Information Science. She is currently a member of PLA's Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Jody Gray (she/her/hers) is the director of the ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS). She is originally from South Dakota and a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Jody worked at the University of Minnesota Libraries for 13 years, first as a library resident and then as the diversity outreach librarian, before coming to ALA in 2015. She received her MLIS from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

Amita Lonial (she/her/hers) is currently the principal librarian for learning, marketing, and engagement at San Diego County Library. She also currently serves as the co-chair for the PLA Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Racial and social justice is something she has always been passionate about. Prior to becoming a librarian, she spent eight years in the non-profit sector working with organizations engaged in direct action organizing and policy reform. Working in public libraries has deepened her commitment to doing liberation based work in our communities and with our staff.