Public libraries have long stood as beacons of knowledge, inclusivity, and access. They are places where individuals from all walks of life can seek information, engage in community programs, and encounter diverse perspectives. However, in an increasingly polarized world, the role of libraries in addressing social justice issues has become more complex. How can libraries advocate for principles like equity, diversity, and inclusion while maintaining their commitment to political neutrality?
The Role of Libraries in Social Justice
Libraries have a responsibility to uphold intellectual freedom and promote the freedom to read. This mission often intersects with issues of social justice, such as LGBTQ+ advocacy, racial equality, and supporting marginalized communities. These topics align with the library’s core values of inclusivity and accessibility, yet they can also be perceived as political, even when approached from an educational perspective.
The challenge lies in finding a balance: supporting marginalized communities and fostering dialogue without being seen as endorsing a specific political agenda. Libraries must tread carefully, ensuring that their actions are grounded in their institutional mission and values, not personal ideologies.
Establishing Clear Guidelines
To navigate this landscape, libraries need to be proactive. To start, they should ensure that they have updated, well-defined policies that guide decisions about things like book displays, programs, exhibits, and other services. These policies should reflect the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom and inclusivity while addressing potential challenges proactively. Key considerations include:
- Collection Development: Ensure that the collection reflects a wide range of perspectives and voices. This includes materials on controversial or divisive topics, presented in a way that fosters learning and understanding.
- Programming and Displays: Make sure you begin with the end in mind. Is the purpose of this display or program to educate or to advocate? Develop clear guidelines for selecting themes and materials. Displays and events should align with the library’s mission and values, not the personal beliefs of individual staff members.
- Exhibit Policies: Libraries should also develop and communicate create clear criteria for approving exhibits and public displays to avoid the perception of bias or partisanship.
It is also important to run these policies by your library’s legal counsel, whether you have your own, or are part of a larger organization. They can alert you to any potential problems with the policies and make sure they are legally sound and equitable.
Training and Empowering Staff
Staff training is critical. Library employees must understand and feel confident articulating the role of the library in promoting intellectual freedom and community engagement without advocacating for specific political perspectives. Key training topics might include:
- First Amendment Rights: Understanding the legal framework that protects freedom of expression and ensures access to information.
- Conflict Resolution: Preparing staff to address complaints or challenges diplomatically and professionally.
- Policy Awareness: Ensuring all staff are familiar with, and consistently applying, library policies and rules.
Building Connections and Community
Libraries can serve as bridges within their communities, fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse groups. Strategies could include:
- Engaging Stakeholders: Involve community members in planning and decision-making when appropriate to ensure that programs and collections reflect their needs and interests. You could do this with surveys and focus groups, or by having voluntneers or committees to advise and weigh in.
- Neutral Spaces for Dialogue: Make sure that library programs and events are setup to encourage civil discourse, providing opportunities for learning and connection. This could be as simple as a book club.
- Partnerships: Libraries already collaborate with local organizations, schools, and nonprofits to amplify impact and reach. This can also be an opportunity to reach those underseved audiences that are in need of extra support.
Anticipating Challenges
In today’s environment, even topics traditionally seen as neutral can spark controversy. Libraries must anticipate challenges by:
- Reviewing Policies Regularly: Ensure policies are up-to-date and reflect current legal and social contexts.
- Documenting Decisions: Maintain records of how programs, displays, and collections align with library policies to defend decisions if challenged. (Remember that most records can be considered public, so write them with that in mind!)
- Supporting Staff: Create systems to support staff facing criticism or harassment, including clear communication protocols and access to resources like legal or professional support.
- Having a Crisis Communications Plan: Again, this can help to protect the library and its staff by having a roadmap for communication when times are tough. You can read more about crisis communications on this blog.
Conclusion
It is a challenging time for everyone, but public libraries are uniquely positioned to promote equity, inclusivity, and intellectual freedom. By proactively establishing clear policies, training staff, and fostering community connections, libraries can hope to navigate the complexities of social justice issues while remaining politically neutral. This thoughtful approach not only supports the library’s mission but also ensures its ability to serve as a vital resource for all members of the community.
Cordelia Anderson Consulting 