Besides having the longest committee name in ALSC, the AASL/ALSC/YALSA Interdivisional Committee on School/Public Library Cooperation has an important task: to foster partnerships between library workers in all types of library agencies. Consisting of members from all three of ALA’s youth-serving divisions (AASL, ALSC, and YALSA), the Interdivisional Committee’s unique make-up is ideal for the collaborative work we do.
This year, the Interdivisional Committee has received our charge from the AASL, ALSC and YALSA Presidents-Elect. We are to develop a shared online space for the three divisions to share the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work done by our members. Ideally, this will be a resource clearinghouse where library staff serving youth in school and public libraries can network and brainstorm together around EDI topics and best practices. While I personally can’t wait to get to work on this project with the members of the Interdivisional Committee, I recognize that so much of what ALSC members do could fall under the EDI umbrella. To help narrow our focus, what is one EDI-related resource you hope to see in this online space? What EDI-related topics do you hope to discuss with other youth-serving library staff members? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Today’s post was written by Sam Bloom, a Youth Services Librarian in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chair of the AASL/ALSC/YALSA Interdivisional Committee on School/Public Library Cooperation. He can be reached at sibloom24@gmail.com.
This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competencies: I. Commitment to Client Group; V. Outreach and Advocacy; and VII. Professionalism and Professional Development
Carol Edwards
One topic that I would like to discuss is being a strong white ally without making my BIPOC, LGBTQ colleagues feel on the spot. I want to be supportive but yet not veer into white savior mode (and whatever the equivalent is for the LGBTQ community).
I trust these colleagues to know how I can best support them. I definitely don’t want to speak for them or lead the charge.
Sam Bloom
Thank you, Carol! I agree that this an important topic and will take this back to the committee.