Thursday, September 29, 2005



It's Banned Books Week! Be sure to read a banned book (or write something outrageous) this week. And check out this great resource: Radical Reference, where you can get information from radical librarians. Here is their mission statement:

“…librarians are more freedom fighters than shushers.”

--Carla Hayden, Ms. Magazine online

Mission Statement: Radical Reference is a collective of volunteer library workers who believe in social justice and equality. We support activist communities, progressive organizations, and independent journalists by providing professional research support, education and access to information. We work in a collaborative virtual setting and are dedicated to information activism to foster a more egalitarian society.

That's the official line. Here's "the rest of the story." Radical reference originated as a service provided by volunteer library workers from all over the United States to assist demonstrators and activists at the convergence surrounding the Republican National Convention in New York City August 29-September 2, 2004. We are evolving, expanding our services, and continuing to utilize our professional skills and tools to answer information needs from the general public, independent journalists, and activists. Service will be provided via this web site, blog, e-mail, chat, phone, in the street and Ouija board.

9 comments:

Donna D said...

Hi Gayle, the group of radical librarians is terrific. I have been looking for a radical writer's association for some time, but so far have not run accross anything. If you know of one, I'd love to hear about it!

gayle said...

I'd love to hear about a radical writers' association, too, Donna! If I come across anything, I'll let you know...

Donna D said...

Maybe we should start one in our spare time ;)

gayle said...

Now that would be cool! Maybe some day...

Donna D said...

Have you heard of The Center for New Words?

Their website says, "The Center for New Words is dedicated to a simple mission: To use the power and creativity of words and ideas to strengthen the voice of progressive and marginalized women in society."

They are having a conference called Women, Action & the Media (WAM!) in March and they have a call for papers.

http://www.centerfornewwords.org/whatsnew.html

gayle said...

Oh, thanks for reminding me about this, Donna! I remember stumbling across the site a year ago and thinking that it sounded like such a great organization, but then life intervened, and I forgot all about it. Definitely worth further investigation; the conference sounds pretty amazing.

Thanks again!

crissachappell said...

Very cool idea!

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gayle said...

Thanks for your post, chrissa! And no thanks, "true republican national convention." As I've mentioned before, I am all for open discussion between the left and right, but this doesn't feel like a true and honest attempt at conversation. Please, I beg of you, no more spam!