Activism + Librarianship = Librarianship

I was happy to find this interview with Jessamyn West on Friction Magazine. I take for granted that many of us need to draw out how activism and librarianship go hand-in-hand–if they’re not interchangeable.  I was initially surpised that the connections between the two were not apparent in many of our minds and that we needed someone to spell it all out. We should continue to spell it all out, however; and for those of us who are compelled by the rhetoric of activist librarianship and its values and ideals, it is our responsibility to make those connections clear in the work and research we do. More importantly, I hope to internalize these values and concerns, to absorb them fully into who I am and how I think and approach the profession….and that transformation starts within.

Peace, all.

Library Dance Party-UNC

Just saw the very inspiring video of the UNC Chapel Hill Library Rave. This is a wonderful example of alternative uses for libraries. In many cases, students come to the library and spend the majority of their evenings hunched over staring at computer screens. In some ways, dance is the ultimate form of liberation as those in motion move their limbs freely and immediately (challenging bodily limitations of the mundane) and exploit physical space beyond its intended use. This is absolutely inspiring.