Hello colleagues!
I am excited to share a call for chapter proposals for a forthcoming book from ACRL that I am co-editing with Kaetrena Davis Kendrick. The book is titled Catalyzing Critical Hope in Libraries: Narratives of Challenge and Change. We are seeking chapter contributions in the form of personal narratives, reflections, or autoethnographies that address one of the following themes, which reflect the organization of the book:
We seek contributor narratives or reflections on acute events that caused suffering, overwhelm, identity loss, disconnection or disorganization while working in academic libraries, and how they (plan to) arrive at reconstruction, healing, creativity, or reimagination. (examples: sudden job loss; LIS stereotypes, faculty/staff inequities, disability, marginalization, discrimination)
We seek contributor narratives or reflections on events that caused chronic and broad harm and apathy while working in academic libraries, and how they (plan to) identify new areas for growth and reinvestment or apply solutions to perennially ignored concerns. (examples: COVID-19 Pandemic; budget issues; space planning; weather event/disasters)
We seek contributor narratives or reflections on events that caused sadness, hopelessness, or skepticism and resulted in distrust in others, disillusion with the LIS field (including its history), and a eagerness for justice while working in LIS, and how they (plan to) reveal inequity, free others, invoke reflection, and educate (examples: workplace abuse and neglect; legacy toxicity; campus climate; programs and services, collection development; inclusive subject headings)
We seek contributor narratives or reflections on events that caused exhaustion due to one or a mix of the other catalysts while working in LIS, and how they (plan to) practice self-preservation, play, and rest; or invoke and build spaces of advocacy and/or community in tandem with outcomes dictated by flexibility and consensus (examples: vocational awe, burnout, resilience narratives, low-morale experiences, tenure and promotion/competition; understaffing)
Timeline:
April 1, 2025: Chapter proposals due
May 1, 2025: Notifications sent by editors
August 1, 2025: First drafts due to editors
September 15, 2025: Editors return feedback to authors
November 1, 2025: Second draft due to editors
December 1, 2025: Editors return feedback to authors
December 2025 - January 2026: Hiatus
February 15, 2026: Final draft due to editors
April 1, 2026: Manuscript due to publisher
We invite proposals (no more than 500 words) from academic library workers at all levels, in any area of responsibility, and at any point in their careers. Chapters will take the form of personal narratives, reflections, or autoethnographies. Since critical hope is often facilitated by creativity and imagination, creative expressions of personal narratives are also welcome, such as comics, poetry, or other forms of expression that clearly address one of the themes. Chapters should be no more than 5,000 words in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and double-spaced. Citations should be formatted in the Chicago Manual of Style endnotes and bibliography format. Footnotes can be used sparingly and only for explanatory text.
As editors, we strive to practice care, mentorship, support, and transparent communication throughout the writing, submission, and editing process. We encourage those new to publishing to submit and to reach out to us with any questions, at kaetrena@renewalslis.com or idamasco1@udayton.edu.
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Ione Damasco
Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Organizational Development
University Libraries
University of Dayton
They/Them/Theirs
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