Transformative Library and Information Work: Profiles in Social Justice

Intended to be an accessible guide to transformational information work, the book collects approximately thirty brief case studies of information related organizations, initiatives, and/or projects that focus on social justice related activities. Each case is a short narrative account of its particular subject’s history, objectives, accomplishments, and challenges faced. It also describes the material realities involved in the subjects’ day-to-day operation. Furthermore, cases include pertinent excerpts from interviews conducted with individuals directly involved with the information organization and will conclude with three-to-five bulleted takeaway points for information workers to consider when developing their own praxis

• Present useful guidance on transformative library and information science
• Gathers real-world case studies of library and information practice relating to social justice
• Gives takeaway points for readers to quickly apply in their own situation
• Provides inspiration for the development of progressive library and information practice
• Considers radical library and information science at a high level, offering recommendations for the future

Stephen Bales is Professor and Humanities and Social Sciences Librarian and Associate Professor at Texas A&M University Libraries, where he is the subject liaison for Philosophy, Religious Studies, Communication & Journalism, and Anthropology. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Information Sciences, University of Tennessee. His research areas include the philosophy of libraries and librarianship, and ideology and the library.

Tina Budzise-Weaver is a Humanities & Social Sciences Librarian and Associate Professor at Texas A&M University Libraries. She is the subject liaison to Visualization, Dance, and Performance Studies. Her research investigates the underutilization of libraries, barriers to access information, and the creation of new services to address academic and professional success amongst her students, faculty, and fellow librarians.