Technical Services, Social Justice, and LibGuides: A Model for Impact

Abstract

In June 2020, news of police violence and murder, and the resulting protests, dominated the national conversation. Those acts threw a spotlight on the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion to be at the center of library collection development policy and resource offerings. As providers of information to their communities, librarians in all parts of the profession were feeling the impact of these events and moving to address information needs during a tumultuous time. This feeling was acknowledged in an Association of Research Libraries statement which issued a call to action for librarians to become more proactive in supporting social justice movements and dismantling systemic racism. This article details how Technical Services librarians at the Cracchiolo Law Library, traditionally viewed as behind-the-scenes members of the library, chose to heed that call and expand their roles to combat injustice and address systemic racism. This article will detail the work creating and promoting an Antiracist and Social Justice Resources guide and collection and demonstrate the impact of these efforts. Additionally, this article may serve as a model for other Technical Services librarians who wish to participate in the social justice movement by expanding their customary duties.