Poetry and the “Voice” of LIS Educators: Transforming the Fabric of Lives and More

Elmborg, Jim; Weddle, Jeff; Mehra, Bharat

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/108745 Copy

Description

Title

Poetry and the “Voice” of LIS Educators: Transforming the Fabric of Lives and More

Author(s)

• Elmborg, Jim
• Weddle, Jeff
• Mehra, Bharat

Issue Date

2020-10-13

Keyword(s)

• Poetry
• LIS educators
• Voice

Abstract

Lost in the scope and study of library and information science (LIS) education within our hegemonic immersion in contemporary neoliberal values, structures, and systems, we unfortunately have marginally examined the power of poetry in knowledge-action discourse that shapes our directions as well as inspires those of others. An opportunity lost for the poets among us, in providing a window towards better understanding of interconnections in our life experiences and professional activities in and beyond the academy, be it in our research, teaching, service, administrative or creative activities of engagement and empowerment. This panel serves to bridge the gaps in its glimpse of how poetry can actualize its potential to enable transformations and make a difference in the fabric of our lives. Three library and information science educators (LIS) draw on their poetry and that of others to illustrate its role in their personal and professional streams of life journeys. The panel explores the power of poetry as “voice” in transforming their lives and shaping their motivations, directions, choices, and actions at intertwined personal and professional levels of intersection. The interactive panel provides an opportunity to the audience to discuss the use of poetry in its transformational potential within and beyond the academy. The panel draws on the theoretical construct of “voice” as an instrument of self-consciousness, narrative development, storytelling, and discourse analysis. The three presentations include: 1. Internal Resistances and the Power of the Local (Elmborg) 2. The Personal is Poetical (Weddle) 3. “If life gives you mangoes, make banana shake”: Poetry to Enable, Empower, and Transform (Mehra)

Series/Report Name or Number

• Education of Information Professionals
• Sociocultural Perspectives

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108745

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