Digital Commons Network^™

The Moral Arc Of The Library: What Are Our Duties And Limitations After 45?, Jennifer Stout, Kelsey Cheshire

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

Abstract

Purpose -- This think piece explores the question of whether or not librarians can ethically remain politically neutral in the wake of the 45th administration. The authors take a critical look at ALA’s Code of Ethics, as well as the concept of vocational awe, and recommend challenging the “sacredness” of neutrality as a core tenet of the profession. Additionally, the authors describe the history of white privilege within libraries and argue that it is time to actively fight white supremacy and disavow the profession’s history of replicating racist social structures.

Design/methodology/approach -- This article is a researched think piece …

Strengthening The Pipeline— Talent Management For Libraries: A Human Resources Perspective, Agnes K. Bradshaw

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

In order to both increase the pipeline of new librarians and develop “bench strength” (which is a human resources term used to refer to the capabilities and readiness of potential successors to move into key professional and leadership positions), librarians of color can work to form and develop strong, sustaining professional networks (in and outside the employing library) in order to help navigate the hiring process and to develop a support network that can be utilized throughout a professional career.

Planning Serendipitous Liaison Outreach, John Glover, Bettina Peacemaker

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

College and university students, staff, and faculty are busier in 2010 than ever before. Many students work full-time in addition to school. With budget cuts, staff members are doing multiple jobs. Faculty members are being hired as fixed-term, temporary, or adjunct instructors more than ever. People do not come to the library as much as they used to, and they are often in a rush when they do.

At the same time, evolving models of reference service mean that liaison librarians are often sequestered in their offices, working elsewhere on campus, or otherwise not available when their patrons happen to …