Date
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Session Type
Workshop: 135 min
Name
Pushing Back Against The Status Quo: Identifying and Dismantling Bias through Library Policy Review
Description

Academic libraries in North America struggle with issues of racism and bias, built into the historical structures that have become the status quo for how academic libraries should function. One of the areas where these issues are still prominent and insidious is within library policies. Elements of bias and exclusivity can be found in the words and the intent of policies, whether the policy is designed to guide the internal functions of the library or designed to guide or control the external behavior of library users. Much of this bias stems from a lack of change in policies, as libraries adhere to a “This is how it has always been done” mentality, and allow outdated policies to continue unchecked. As academic libraries struggle to dismantle the structures that support the continued presence of bias within their organizations, policies offer a prime starting point where meaningful action can take place. This workshop will guide participants through the process of identifying both hidden and obvious bias and exclusivity found within academic library policies, and provide an assessment tool to support the review and revision of both internal and external policies.

Track
Strategic Planning and Policymaking