As many of my readers know, this year I have teamed up with Robin Bradford to present a series of training programs and discussions where we take a no nonsense approach to teaching library workers how to move from being not racist to becoming anti-racist. Here is the basic description of our programs from our Actively Anti-Racist Service to Leisure Readers homepage:
Increasing the collection and circulation of titles written by underrepresented authors is not a trend, rather, providing robust readers’ advisory service that values equity, diversity and inclusion principles is essential to all library service. But moving from being a neutral, well-meaning library where systemic racism is acknowledged to an actively anti-racist organization involves work, some of which is uncomfortable at first. In this program you will begin that work, learning tangible skills to help build enthusiasm for reading and discovering "diverse" books, to deepen RA service through thoughtful inclusion of EDI principles in all interactions with leisure readers, and to be a steward of the anti-racist mindset for your organization. Readers’ Advisory and Collection Development experts Becky Spratford and Robin Bradford will move your team from merely discussing "why" putting EDI concerns at the forefront of all of your work with leisure readers is important to the "how," including an honest look at action steps for all staff. While it may seem uncomfortable at first, Becky and Robin will help you shift your focus allowing your entire organization to craft an actionable plan to incorporate EDI values into your normal RA practices. All you need is a little nudge in the right direction and a commitment to begin the march forward.
This series of programs is a joint effort, but due to the fact that Robin has a full time job doing collection development at a library and presenting training programs is my full time job, she has less time to present than I do. As we make clear on the homepage for our programs that we can only commit to working with 1 library or conference a month.
In order to help fill the demand, I offer a 90 minute version, alone, for libraries who don't want to wait. This solo program is informed by the regular meetings and discussions Robin and I have. We are in touch constantly sending each other information, and meeting to discuss new issues. In this 90 minute solo venture, I give a 60 minute presentation and then answer questions for 30 minutes.
It is not as robust was the program Robin and I offer together, and not just because there are not 2 of us to play off each other. It is also because in our joint program we ask library workers to watch these lectures first, think about them, and then submit questions in advance of the live Q&A sessions. We are able to delve a lot deeper when the library workers have time to think about what we have said. Again, as I said above, it can be uncomfortable and the reactions we get immediately can be defensive.
But having done these solo trainings for a few months now, I will say I have been impressed about the depth of the discussions we have been having on the spot.
Toady I am doing one of these solo trainings with two libraries in SE Michigan who have banded together for a program.
Here or by clicking on the screen shot below is the most up to date version of the Actively Anti-Racist slides. If you want me to come to your library or me and Robin [2022 openings] click here or on the RA for All logo on the blog to contact me. I handle all training requests for this program whether Robin can participate or not.
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