EMIERT Chair Program Promoting Multicultural EDI Librarianship in Virtual Spaces
The document discusses challenges that diverse groups face when accessing libraries and recommends ways libraries can help mitigate these challenges. It suggests libraries advocate for hardware/WiFi, provide strategies for various reading environments, training in apps/databases, and online programming targeting diverse populations. Libraries should partner with parent/community groups, political/civic organizations, and child advocacy groups. Going forward, libraries need to ensure patrons have access to cultural content by changing from limited to unlimited ebook collections, using accessible formats for K-12, investing in diverse ebook collections, and training staff. The document recommends youth books and resources for librarians to consider. It suggests using social media to represent, engage, and advocate for diverse groups online by capturing students
EMIERT Chair Program Promoting Multicultural EDI Librarianship in Virtual Spaces
- 1. Promoting Multicultural (EDI) Librarianship in Virtual Spaces K.C. Boyd, M.A., M.Ed. & M.L.I.S. Library Media Specialist, Jefferson Academy District of Columbia Public Schools
- 2. Challenges that diverse or multi-ethnic groups face when it comes to libraries: Access to hardware and wifi Quiet reading environment Navigating new technologies Reading with instructional supports Availability of diverse titles in accessible catalogs
- 3. What can libraries do to help mitigate some of these challenges for specific populations? Help advocate for hardware and wifi for their students Provide strategies to effectively read in various reading environments Provide training in using apps/websites/databases Provide online programming that specifically target diverse populations. Provide diverse titles in accessible catalogs for student use.
- 4. Who should libraries partner with and why? Parent organizations Community groups Political/Civic Organizations Child advocacy groups Vendors
- 5. Going forward, what can libraries do to ensure that patrons have access to cultural content when they may have limited ebook collections? How should we plan for the future, if and when this happens again? •Change the practice from 'limited to unlimited' •Accessible formats for K-12 •Train-Train-Train •Digital Citizenship •Invest in ebook collections for all interests •Invest in digital formats that appeal to all learners
- 6. What ebooks, for youth and/or young adults, can you recommend for librarians who may now be considering ramping up their e-collections? What resource list or website can librarians use where more info can be accessed? Youth: Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson New Kid by Jerry Craft Resources: https://thebrownbookshelf.com/ https://teachingbooks.net/HomeAccess
- 7. When we are in our physical spaces, libraries are able to display books about different communities, create signage, have read-alouds, etc, have personal contact with our community- what are some suggestions for representing, engaging, or advocating for diverse groups online? SOCIAL MEDIA!!! Capture students attention Draw them into engaging in activities Encourage reading Encourage extensions beyond the story