IFRT Members Community (Open)

Hi all,

The next installment of IFRT Reads will be focused on the topic of library neutrality.  We'll be reading four short (and freely available) pieces: 

• Library Neutrality and Pluralism: A Manifesto ("Why library neutrality isn't an abstract principle, but vital to serving the interests of pluralistic societies.")
• The Myth of Library Neutrality ("This idea of the librarian as a neutral medium takes away the powerfulness of the lived experiences and learned knowledge of librarians.")
• Libraries on the Frontlines: Neutrality and Social Justice ("This article examines libraries' responsibility to engage with and support communities of color as they challenge systemic racism, engage in the political process, and exercise their right to free speech.")
• Libraries and the Contested Terrain of "Neutrality" ("In some ways neutrality in the library is clearly a very bad idea - and yet in some important ways, it's absolutely essential.")

The discussion will be on Monday, April 15th from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern / 2 to 3 p.m. Central / 1 to 2 p.m. Mountain / 12 to 1 p.m. Pacific. Once you register for the event, you'll get a link to add the meeting to your calendar.  

We know this is a topic that will spark a lively discussion, and we encourage you to join us with the intent to engage, listen, and learn. Looking forward to seeing  you on the 15th!

------------------------------
Martin Garnar (he/him/his)
Director, Amherst College Library
Member, IFRT Programming and Events Committee
------------------------------

Hi all,

It's less than one week until the next installment of IFRT Reads, which will be focused on the topic of library neutrality.  We'll be reading four short (and freely available) pieces: 

• Library Neutrality and Pluralism: A Manifesto ("Why library neutrality isn't an abstract principle, but vital to serving the interests of pluralistic societies.")
• The Myth of Library Neutrality ("This idea of the librarian as a neutral medium takes away the powerfulness of the lived experiences and learned knowledge of librarians.")
• Libraries on the Frontlines: Neutrality and Social Justice ("This article examines libraries' responsibility to engage with and support communities of color as they challenge systemic racism, engage in the political process, and exercise their right to free speech.")
• Libraries and the Contested Terrain of "Neutrality" ("In some ways neutrality in the library is clearly a very bad idea - and yet in some important ways, it's absolutely essential.")

The discussion will be on Monday, April 15th from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern / 2 to 3 p.m. Central / 1 to 2 p.m. Mountain / 12 to 1 p.m. Pacific. Once you register for the event, you'll get a link to add the meeting to your calendar.  

Hope to see you there!

------------------------------
Martin Garnar (he/him/his)
Director, Amherst College Library
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: Mar 19, 2024 03:24 PM
From: Martin Garnar
Subject: Next IFRT Reads on April 15th: Library Neutrality

Hi all,

The next installment of IFRT Reads will be focused on the topic of library neutrality.  We'll be reading four short (and freely available) pieces: 

• Library Neutrality and Pluralism: A Manifesto ("Why library neutrality isn't an abstract principle, but vital to serving the interests of pluralistic societies.")
• The Myth of Library Neutrality ("This idea of the librarian as a neutral medium takes away the powerfulness of the lived experiences and learned knowledge of librarians.")
• Libraries on the Frontlines: Neutrality and Social Justice ("This article examines libraries' responsibility to engage with and support communities of color as they challenge systemic racism, engage in the political process, and exercise their right to free speech.")
• Libraries and the Contested Terrain of "Neutrality" ("In some ways neutrality in the library is clearly a very bad idea - and yet in some important ways, it's absolutely essential.")

The discussion will be on Monday, April 15th from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern / 2 to 3 p.m. Central / 1 to 2 p.m. Mountain / 12 to 1 p.m. Pacific. Once you register for the event, you'll get a link to add the meeting to your calendar.  

We know this is a topic that will spark a lively discussion, and we encourage you to join us with the intent to engage, listen, and learn. Looking forward to seeing  you on the 15th!

------------------------------
Martin Garnar (he/him/his)
Director, Amherst College Library
Member, IFRT Programming and Events Committee
------------------------------