Discussion Groups
ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS) curated this list for conference attendees who may be interested in sessions targeting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The sessions are grouped by session type with definitions to guide attendees through the selections. Please note that this information was curated by ODLOS specifically, there may be some flexibility in each session’s categorization and/or level of understanding.
Definitions of Levels of Understanding
Introductory Level: These sessions are geared toward attendees who have no prior or little experience with equity, diversity, or inclusion topics. Attendees who have limited knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion are encouraged to attend these sessions.
Intermediate Level: These sessions are appropriate for attendees who have attended a few webinars or workshops surrounding equity, diversity, and inclusion and would like to learn more. These sessions start analyzing how the library profession can decenter power.
Advanced Level: These sessions are appropriate for those who are experienced with nuanced concepts of social justice, power and privilege, identity, equity, and inclusion. Attendees who are facilitators and leaders in areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion and those looking to deepen their knowledge are encouraged to attend.
Discussion Groups: Any general session where a discussion/interest group is holding an open conversation that is included as part of the regular conference registration fee.
Discussion Groups
When Stars Are Scattered: Refugees and Outstanding International Books (USBBY)
Link: https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/ALA-Midwinter/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=665109
Level of Understanding: Introductory Level
January 24, 2020 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
The US Board on Books for Youth will present the new list of Outstanding International Books. In addition, authors Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed will speak about the forthcoming graphic novel for middle school, When Stars Are Scattered, which describes Mohamed's experience growing up in a Somali refugee camp.
Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained
Link: https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/ALA-Midwinter/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=665138
Level of Understanding: Introductory Level
January 25, 2020 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Come join the Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained for worthwhile discussion, updates, and information. The purpose of this interest group is to support those who serve patrons of any age who are held in jail, prison, detention, or immigration facility.
Financial Literacy Interest Group
Link: https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/ALA-Midwinter/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=664953
Level of Understanding: Introductory Level
January 25, 2020 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Libraries play an important role in connecting their users to trusted resources that can help people improve their personal finance knowledge or start a small business. Join the Financial Literacy Interest Group for a discussion with Bridges to Wealth, a nonprofit organization based at the University of Pennsylvania that works with libraries, high schools, and other public groups to provide financial literacy education and entrepreneurship programs that addresses the wealth gap in diverse communities.
Libraries in Gaza: Between Despair and Hope
Link: https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/ALA-Midwinter/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=664623
Level of Understanding: Introductory Level
January 25, 2020 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Diversity Officers Discussion Group
Link: https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/ALA-Midwinter/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=664907
Level of Understanding: Intermediate Level
January 25, 2020 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Woman Administrators Discussion Group
Link: https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/ALA-Midwinter/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=664914
Level of Understanding: Introductory Level
January 25, 2020 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Discussion
Link: https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/ALA-Midwinter/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=664862
Level of Understanding: Introductory Level
January 25, 2020 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
This meeting will focus on Equity Diversity and Inclusion in the new ALA model.
Promoting Civic Engagement Among Adult Learners Discussion Forum
Link: https://www.eventscribe.com/2020/ALA-Midwinter/fsPopup.asp?Mode=presInfo&PresentationID=665114
Level of Understanding: Intermediate Level
January 26, 2020 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
With major elections, a decennial census, and increasing community activism set for 2020, the demand for civics instruction and information dissemination is crucial. Adult learners bring a variety of experiences to civic engagement, from longtime voters to new citizens or young adults voting for the first time. Due to these diverse perspectives, providing instruction in these areas can be especially challenging. In this discussion forum, participants will identify ways to incorporate information literacy in civic engagement instruction for adult learners in a variety of library settings.