June 10 -12, 2021
Libraries Without Borders
the free virtual Library History Seminar XIV
About Library History Seminar XIV
Library History Seminar (LHS) is a multi-day themed conference that promotes the history of libraries/librarianship and showcases new research in the field. This year's theme is "Libraries Without Borders," focusing on the history of library outreach. The theme embraces all types of libraries and all persons who identify or labor as librarians, regardless of whether they hold professional credentials. The "Libraries Without Borders" theme also indicates LHRT’s commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its efforts, and to leverage technology to make LHS more accessible to colleagues throughout the world. Held every 5 years since 1961, LHS XIV is the first to be offered online. In addition to a keynote address and more than 30 research papers, LHS XIV will include several how-to workshops and opportunities for informal sharing. Register today and spread the word about #LibHistSem2021 through social media!
Keynote address
"'The Hill We Climb': Towards Equity and Inclusion in Library and Information Science"
Dr. Renate Chancellor
Dr. Chancellor is Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science at the Catholic University of America. Dr. Chancellor's research focuses on human information behavior, and social justice in Library and Information Science. Recent publications include: E.J. Josey: Transformational Leader in the Modern Library Profession (2020), "Racial Battle Fatigue: The Unspoken Burden of Black Women Faculty In LIS," and From Protests to Practice: Confronting Systemic Racism in LIS. Her forthcoming book, Breaking Glass Ceilings: Clara Stanton Jones and the Detroit Public Library is scheduled for release next year. She is a recipient of the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) Leadership Award and the ALISE Excellence in Teaching Award. Learn more...
Invited Speakers and How-to Panels
Getting Your Historical Research Published: Q&A with Journal Editors
For the first time, editors of 6 different English-language publications relating to library history are gathered in one space! Each editor will briefly describe the current scope and interests of their respective publication, and share their top 3 tips for successful authorship. At least 15 minutes will be devoted to audience Q&A.This session is ideal for those who are new scholarly journal publishing, and for others who are interested in new venues for their work. Learn more...
Short-Form Library History: Writing Book Reviews, Blog Posts, and Newsletter Articles
Writing for professional blogs, newsletters, and review columns is a great way for new authors to get started and for others to stay engaged with the discipline. These editors will briefly describe the scope, opportunities, and workings of their publications and provide tips for writing short-form manuscripts in general. At least 15 minutes will be devoted to audience Q&A. This session is ideal for graduate students and others who are new to blog-, book review-, and newsletter authorship. Learn more...
Getting Started with Research: Biographical, Institutional, and International
Biographical, institutional, and international library history research involve distinct approaches and sources. Each of this session’s panelists have abundant experiences and insights to share. At least 15 minutes will be devoted to audience Q&A, so feel free to bring questions. This session is ideal for those who are new to any of the 3 methodologies covered in the session and want tips for getting started. Learn more...
Writing Library History for General Audiences: Q&A with Children's Nonfiction Authors
Award-winning children’s authors will describe how they came to write about library history and how to hone those stories for non-scholarly audiences. At least 15 minutes will be devoted to audience Q&A, so feel free to bring questions. This session is ideal for anyone seeking to make library history more engaging to the general public, or those interested in intersections between children and library history. Learn more...
Concurrent research sessions include
American Public Libraries in the Depression and the War on Poverty
(Image credit: "For greater knowledge on more subjects use your library often!" / V. Donaghue. https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/98509756/)
Books and Ethnic Representations
(Image credit: Interracial Books for Children. Volume 5, No. 4, 1974. http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/Literature.CIBCBulletinv05n04)
Black Chicago Communities of Information
(Image credit: "One African American couple dancing in front of jukebox," Seven Settlement Houses-Database of Photos, UIC. http://collections.carli.illinois.edu:80/cdm/ref/collection/uic_7sh/id/3198)
Japanese Print Culture in America
(Image credit: “Hawai'i State Library," Andrew Wertheimer)
and many more!
Let us know if you'll be attending!
Questions? Contact Bernadette Lear at bal19@psu.edu.