Hands publishes article in special anti-racism issue
Dr. Africa Hands
Library Science assistant professor Dr. Africa Hands recently published an article in a special anti-racism issue of Reference Services Review titled “Toward belong and mutual hospitality: decentering whiteness in the ‘new normal’.”
The abstract reads:
Purpose
The postquarantine reopening of public libraries presents an opportunity for resetting the way libraries welcome patrons. Unfortunately, vestiges of inhospitable, white supremacist practices experienced in public libraries may accompany the “return to normal.” In addition to emphasizing policies and practices that are unwelcoming to patrons and staff from historically marginalized backgrounds, this article presents actions to be employed in an effort to transition the library to a place of belonging and hospitality for marginalized staff and community members.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on a synthesis of the literature on hospitality in libraries and antiracism as well as the author’s experience from professional practice to critique the host-and-guest concept of hospitality, which results in us versus them actions that uphold racism, white supremacy and white privilege.
Findings
Barriers and institutional practices that negatively impact patrons and library workers are illuminated. Recommendations for creating an antiracist “new normal” in public libraries are proposed.
Originality/value
In addition to contributing to the literature on hospitality in libraries, this paper expands the capacity and knowledge base of library staff to call attention to and dismantle barriers and uninviting practices in their own libraries. The paper further advances mutual hospitality as a supplement to antiracism principles as libraries work to eradicate white supremacy.
