Subject area: Librarians of colour discuss communities of practice and mentorship

Format: Podcast episode 6 available on Spotify

Length: 1 hour

Audience: information professionals of colour

Organiser: LibVoices Podcast

Presenters: LibVoices host interview Nataly Blas (Latinx librarian) and Jennifer Masunaga (Mexican American-Japanese librarian)

 

Reflection:

This podcast discusses all things relating to the world of libraries from the perspective of Librarians and information professionals of colour (POC). As a person of colour and student librarian, I was immediately drawn to this podcast and gaining insights from this perspective. The objective of this episode was to explore some of the issues around communities of practice and mentorship facing POC in the library industry.

I kept in mind the discussion was taking place in an American context, and to reflect on the ways the issues translate to my own context. The two librarians discussed the importance and need for mentorship and communities of practice for POC, in gaining confidence as a professional and finding their stream of librarianship that resonates the most and will allow them to thrive. They highlighted the role that public libraries play promoting resource sharing that is pertinent for communities of colour to navigate current political movements, stay informed and engaged and amplify voices of people on the margins. The idea of public libraries as neutral spaces was directly challenged and flagged as a major barrier to inclusive and honest conversations and efforts to advocate for the needs of communities of colour. Discussing best practices with colleagues and taking the time to reflect on how to be more inclusive, more aware, and more empathetic, paves the way for more equitable practices.

The ALA (American Library Association) was criticised for its inability to address issues relating to black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) and upholding a norm and standard of whiteness. Out of this growing frustration arose the need for librarians of colour to create their own space that centred BIPOC perspectives in the library and information world. A summit was held aimed at library and information professionals of colour and attendees reported on the need for a professional space that did not whitewash diversity and inclusion, or remain silent on a great number of issues that many POC share or have encountered on the profession. This included topics like how to make library conference culture more accessible to POC such as through low registration costs, workplaces providing ample time for their employees to invest in professional development, and organising conferences created by communities rather than corporations that have profit motives attached to them.

Gaining perspective and insights from librarians of colour was an energising and made me consider the specific types of support I require in my professional journey. Also made me reflect on possibilities for the future and how I can network and steer myself more intentionally towards other professionals with shared values and beliefs around building these more inclusive, community-focused institutions for both librarians and communities of colour.