Dear Colleagues --

“If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” - Desmond Tutu

Join us May 25 at noon on Zoom for a thoughtful peer discussion about shifting from library “neutrality” to equitable library services. 

The past few weeks have brought a lively discussion about libraries as “neutral” spaces and the role libraries can and should play in equitizing outcomes for all of their patrons. Many of us have been in private conversations about this topic and revealed a hunger for further discussion on this issue. If you have been wrestling with this issue and discovering a nagging voice that is saying, “If we stay neutral, we maintain the status quo, and that means some are left out,” we have been, too. 

If we are committed, as the ALA Code of Ethics states, to “equitable service policies” and “equitable access,” is that mission accomplished or a call to do more? Does our call to have balanced collections really mean taking no stance on any issue? Don’t libraries have a history of neutrality, or a legacy of changing our practices over time to be more inclusive of genres, people with special needs, the very young, senior citizens, those in need of social services, and others? To what extent does our profession have a political legacy as well (e.g., Connecticut 5 and the PATRIOT Act, ALA maintaining a lobbying arm, Legislative Days, advocacy for literacy initiatives)? Though we have limitations on our activities as outlined by law in our role as government agencies or non-profit organizations, is posting a celebration of BIPOC voices on social media really a verboten act? And regardless of how we interpret the profession’s past stances on neutrality, is it the future we want for libraries? 

Please note that this will not be a formal presentation, a toolkit, or a series of easy fixes. It’s an initial conversation rooted in the conviction that equity is worth fighting for. Please join us in thinking deeply, finding fellow travelers, and considering next steps. As a wise man once suggested to one of us, it is a chance to “search for the truth with love.” 

You can register for this free event, see our discussion guidelines, and learn more about how you can read up on neutrality prior to our conversation at https://umich.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkdu6pqDIrGdYZEpVVF5o8yZCtmzi9ytTG 

 . This event will **not** be recorded.

Kristin Fontichiaro, University of Michigan School of Information

Kristin Shelley, East Lansing Public Library

Catherine Lucas, Willard Library