Visioning the (im)possible: Experiences of Librarian-caregivers During the Pandemic and Strategies for the Future of Library Work

Abstract

What has the pandemic work-life experience been for library workers who have caregiving responsibilities? As reports trickle into popular media about the perilously strained state of working parents, we look to our membership to ask: how are librarian caregivers holding up, moving forward, and making change in the workplace? This panel conversation addresses the current state and future possibilities of remote, hybrid, and flexible work arrangements in art libraries, specifically examining how these arrangements impact art librarians and library workers who are also caregivers. We ask: how has the “how” of our work changed? How can we co-create library workplaces that allow all workers to contribute and thrive? Panelists will share aggregate information gathered from the media, ARLIS/NA members, vignettes of life during the pandemic that illustrate shared but often unspoken experiences, and examples of advocacy and success in grappling with and implementing change toward a more equitable workplace

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