White Librarianship in Blackface: Diversity Initiatives within LIS
Title
White Librarianship in Blackface: Diversity Initiatives within LIS
Identifier
http://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2015/lis-diversity/
Description
Abstract:
Whiteness—an ideological practice that can extend beyond notions of racial supremacy to other areas of dominance—has permeated every aspect of librarianship, extending even to the initiatives we claim are committed to increasing diversity. This state of affairs, however, need not remain. This article examines the ways in which whiteness controls diversity initiatives in LIS, particularly in light of the application requirements set upon candidates. I then suggest ways to correct for whiteness in LIS diversity programs by providing mentorship to diverse applicants struggling to navigate the whiteness of the profession and concurrently working in solidarity to dismantle whiteness from within.
Whiteness—an ideological practice that can extend beyond notions of racial supremacy to other areas of dominance—has permeated every aspect of librarianship, extending even to the initiatives we claim are committed to increasing diversity. This state of affairs, however, need not remain. This article examines the ways in which whiteness controls diversity initiatives in LIS, particularly in light of the application requirements set upon candidates. I then suggest ways to correct for whiteness in LIS diversity programs by providing mentorship to diverse applicants struggling to navigate the whiteness of the profession and concurrently working in solidarity to dismantle whiteness from within.
Creator
Hathcock, April
Source
In the Library with the Lead Pipe, October 2015.
Date
2015
Rights
CC BY
Language
English
Type
Text
Collection
Citation
Hathcock, April, “White Librarianship in Blackface: Diversity Initiatives within LIS,” Antiracism Digital Library, accessed May 2, 2024, https://sacred.omeka.net/items/show/337.
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