Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Libraries have always tried to uphold the Library Bill of Rights but are we just a neutral bridge to information or something more? In an era increasingly defined by socioeconomic and educational inequalities, resurgence of white supremacy, and “fake news”, we as information workers must challenge how we have understood our roles in the library. In response to this charge, the William H. Hannon Library staff development committee created and facilitated a day-long examination of social justice for librarians and library staff at Loyola Marymount University. Our presentation will reflect on this day including the development of materials and active …

Although the term “social justice” itself is commonly attributed to a 19th century Catholic theologian, the concept of social justice and imperatives to work toward its realization are integral to virtually all religious and spiritual traditions. Religious traditions have historically shaped institutions and power relationships in profound ways and continue to do so alongside the rise of the “nones” (those with no religious affiliation). Moreover, the complex interplay between religious and other cultural, racial, ethnic, lingual, political, and economic forces render a critical social analysis that leaves out religious factors woefully incomplete. Engaging these traditions, then, is essential for critically …