Advancing anti-racism in public libraries for Black youth in Canada

Matthews, Amber

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/123145 Copy

Description

Title

Advancing anti-racism in public libraries for Black youth in Canada

Author(s)

Matthews, Amber

Issue Date

2023-09

Keyword(s)

• Anti-racism
• Black Youth
• Canada
• Community Engagement
• Critical Librarianship
• Public Libraries
• Social Justice
• Young Adult Services

Abstract

A critical community-based study exploring Black youth experiences in Canadian public libraries and community-based youth programs. Participants were youth, aged 13 to 24, in London that do not often use public libraries and parents of Black youth. Data were drawn from semi-structured interviews with youth and caregivers. An arts-based qualitative tool was also used with youth as an age-appropriate method of expression and verification. The study sought to: understand why some youth use community-based programs instead of libraries and if this relates to experiences or perceptions of anti-Black racism; identify programs that help youth navigate structural challenges and opportunities for libraries to support them; and understand what motivates youth and caregivers to seek library and/or community-based programs. Public libraries were identified as a safe community space and youth feel comfortable visiting and using library services. However, they identify structural concerns (e.g., lack of belonging, performative inclusion, etc.) as barriers to participation. Black representation, identity-affirming programs, and motivational staff are key recommendations for public libraries that arise from this study.

Series/Report Name or Number

Proceedings of the ALISE Annual Conference, 2023

Type of Resource

text

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/123145

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21900/j.alise.2023.1366

Copyright and License Information

• Copyright 2023 Amber Matthews
• This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).

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