Session 1B: Women of Color in Academic Library Leadership: A Testimony to Resilience

Abstract

Women of Color in Academic Library Leadership: A Testimony to Resilience A senior African-American library leader, who has served in three types of academic libraries, will discuss the challenges librarians of color face in academic libraries and academic professional associations, such as culture, gender, isolation, microaggressions, and stereotypes. She will explore the duality of librarians of color: race and profession in white institutions, and how race may impact one’s job. This library leader will stress the ways in which minority librarians can avoid getting trapped in what she calls the “ghetto” of academic libraries. Finally, the presenter will provide advice for new and mid-career librarians on how to overcome barriers and obstacles in academic libraries, which can be difficult political organizations to navigate. This session will assist participants with identifying the knowledge and skills needed to have a successful career that will enable them to thrive in academic libraries and the academy