Hopeful Visions, Practical Actions: Cultural Humility in Library Work

Cultural humility is a framework for navigating interpersonal interactions in libraries, focusing on critical self-reflection and recognizing and redressing structural inequities and power imbalances. This collection demonstrates how cultural humility can change the way we work and make lasting impacts on diversity, equity, and inclusion in libraries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 10 July 2023
Publisher: Facet Publishing

Cultural humility provides a revitalizing and transformative approach to navigating interpersonal dynamics within libraries, encompassing interactions between patrons and staff, as well as among staff members themselves. It emphasizes the importance of engaging in critical self-reflection and a steadfast dedication to identifying and rectifying structural inequalities and problematic power dynamics. This comprehensive collection, the first book-length exploration of this approach in libraries, brings together esteemed contributors from diverse fields to showcase how cultural humility can revolutionize the way we work and foster lasting impacts on diversity, equity, and inclusion within these institutions.

The chapters within this book delve into various aspects of cultural humility, such as how Indigenous adages can serve as valuable tools for introspection and guidance in cultivating cultural humility. It also explores the experiences of two Black librarians who are leveraging cultural humility to transform the profession, offering fresh perspectives on core concepts of customer service. Furthermore, the book reevaluates policies and practices in libraries of all sizes, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable approach. It examines the role of cultural humility in approaching collection development and the creation of resource guides, highlighting its significance in catering to diverse communities. Additionally, the book delves into what cultural humility can entail for a tribal librarian working in a tribal college library, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and relevance. It also reflects on cultural humility itself and anticipates its future trajectory.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 151 x 230 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783306336