University of Denver
"When I Think Of The Public Library, I Think Of White": Black Families Counter-Narratives Of Library Irrelevance And Community Repair,
2026
Old Dominion University
"When I Think Of The Public Library, I Think Of White": Black Families Counter-Narratives Of Library Irrelevance And Community Repair, Amber Matthews
STEMPS Faculty Publications
While public libraries espouse equitable access, few studies examine Black community disengagement. Drawing on Critical Race Theory and the theme "Information in Repair," this paper analyzes semi-structured interviews with seven Black parents of youth aged 13-24 in London, Ontario. Findings reveal that their lack of library engagement stems not from access barriers but from libraries functioning as racialized spaces irrelevant to Black lived experiences in Canada. Where libraries fall short, Black-led organizations perform continuous, invisible reparative labour through culturally responsive programming and trusted information networks. Meaningful repair requires confronting institutional whiteness, redistributing resources to Black-led organizations, and sustaining authentic relationship-building …
Museums In Public Libraries: An Ethnographic Case Study Of The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library,
2025
University of Denver
Museums In Public Libraries: An Ethnographic Case Study Of The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Yadira Y. Quintero
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Access to information is a human right, and this thesis explores the benefits and challenges of integrating museums into public libraries by conducting an ethnographic case study of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. The study's findings highlight the complexities of integration. The biggest benefit is the increased access to museum collections, information, and resources. However, challenges arise from the lack of cohesion within the museum and library disciplines, as well as strained community relations. Engaging the community is crucial for successful collaboration, emphasizing the importance of a bottom-up approach that allows for active participation. Integrating museums into public libraries …
Designing Effective Library Treasure Hunts: Theory, Practice, And Framework Alignment,
2025
University of Denver
Designing Effective Library Treasure Hunts: Theory, Practice, And Framework Alignment, Ellwood Colahan
University Libraries: Faculty Scholarship
Treasure hunts have long been employed in academic library instruction as an interactive method for fostering information literacy skills through active learning, exploration, and adventure. This essay offers a comprehensive analysis of the theory and practice of library treasure hunts. It begins by distinguishing treasure hunts from scavenger hunts and emphasizing the importance of accurate terminology. The pedagogical principles underlying their effectiveness are then examined, followed by a review of the relevant literature. The essay also addresses the challenges associated with the labor-intensive process of designing and implementing these activities. A separate analysis course alignment, learning outcomes, and how the …
Library Services To Community Users: Current Practices Of Urban And Metropolitan Universities,
2013
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Library Services To Community Users: Current Practices Of Urban And Metropolitan Universities, J B. Hill, Wanda V. Dole
Faculty Scholarship
This paper describes one of the ways in which the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) makes a difference in neighborhoods, cities, and regions by extending library privileges to community users. It reports the results of a study of the services that CUMU libraries provide to community users.
