Building Spaces of Solidarity and Connection: A Historical, Theoretical, and Practical Lens on Libraries’ Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Justice
A Virtual Summit sponsored by the Social Responsibilities Round Table
Monday, April 7, 2025
Speakers from across the country offered historical, theoretical, and practical perspectives on how institutions, library staff, and adjacent organizations have engaged with minoritized, vulnerable, and structurally marginalized populations. They shared learnings and tools that librarians and information workers can apply to develop more inclusive and equitable services, spaces, and programming.
Questions? Reach out to Rachel Rosekind: rosekindness@gmail.com
SUMMIT SCHEDULE
Session I: Cultural Partnerships and Programming to Support Inclusive Communities
Panelists:
- Makeda Cheatom, Executive Director and Founder of the WorldBeat Cultural Center
- Amber Matthews, Assistant Professor of Library & Information Studies, Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Old Dominion University
- Shauntee Burns-Simpson, Director of Youth & Family Services, Washington DC Public Library
- Sandie Thomas, Founder and Pastor, Where We Are Now Community Centre
Amber Matthews & Sandie Thomas Slides
Shauntee Burns-Simpson Slides
Recording
Session II: Toward Equity and Inclusion in Library Services and Professions
Panelists:
- Renate Chancellor, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at the School of Information Studies, Syracuse University
- Sofia Leung, Facilitator, Librarian, Thought Partner
- Paola Vilaxa, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and Community Engagement, Anythink Libraries
Session III: How Can Libraries Support Immigrant and Refugee Communities?
Panelists:
- Madeleine Ildefonso, Managing Librarian, Office of Civics and Community Services, Los Angeles Public Library
- Ana Ndumu, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland College Park, College of Information Studies
- Eva Raison, Director of Outreach Services, Brooklyn Public Library
- Naghem Swade, Internal Equity Consultant, Denver Public Library
Ana Ndumu Slides
Naghem Swade Slides
Recording
Session IV: Institutional Disregard, Denial, and Disfranchisement: Treatment and Experiences of African Americans in LIS Professions and Practices
Panelists:
- Amanda Folk, Associate Professor and Head of the Teaching & Learning Department, The Ohio State University Libraries
- Rodney Freeman, Librarian and Producer of Are You A Librarian?
- Nichelle M. Hayes, Co-Editor, The Black Librarian in America: Reflections, Resistance, and Reawakening
- Tracey Overbey, Associate Professor, The Ohio State University
- Wayne Wiegand, F. William Summers Professor Emeritus of Library & Information Studies, Florida State University
Session V: Issues in School Librarianship, Children’s Literature, and Youth Services
Panelists:
- Jessica Anne Bratt, Author Let’s Talk About Race in Storytimes
- Sandra Echols, Thought-leader, Librarian, Bibliotherapist
- Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Author and National Leader of Authors Against Book Bans
- Shannon Oltmann, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, School of Information Science, University of Kentucky
Shannon Oltmann Slides
Recording
Shared Destiny graphic by Nina Montenegro, 2018
