I, like other Americans, have been reflecting on the tragic and senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless black Americans before them, and trying to find the path forward as we face uncomfortable truths about ourselves and society.

Words of support or concern feel insufficient, but we cannot remain silent. We have important work to do, as individuals, organizations, and members of our communities, to acknowledge and address the structural racism and inequities that still plague our country.

As information professionals and students, we uphold ideals of inclusion, diversity and democracy, and have a responsibility to be a positive force in the movement for racial equality and justice. As journalist Soledad O’Brien said at the PLA 2020 Conference, “[Libraries] are great unifiers at a time when, frankly, we don’t have a lot of stuff we can point to that’s unifying.” 

The resources below provide a starting point for examining these issues, initiating dialogue and taking action.

As an organization, GSAC is committed to creating an environment where all students feel welcome, represented and valued. We will work to develop and support programming that improves cultural awareness and provides space for reflection and dialogue. We, too, must do better. Together, let’s listen, learn, and discuss how to be a part of positive change.  


Kent State University 

Library Organizations

Resources

Training 

Articles

Projects

  • Libraries’ Mapping Prejudice (University of Minnesota)
  • Mapping Inequality (University of Richmond, Virginia Tech, University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University)
  • Project Voice (Kent State University and University of Washington, including Kent State iSchool Assistant Professor Kathleen Campana and alumna/former GSAC officer Jacqueline Kociubuk)

Leave a Reply