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ERIC Number: ED315100
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1989-Jun
Pages: 11
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Information for Transformation: The Perspective of a Library Director.
Freedman, Janet
Current and possible future roles of feminist librarians in the academic community are explored in this paper. The discussion opens with a recounting of past accomplishments of feminist librarians in general--e.g., reversing the Library of Congress use of "women as exceptions" subject headings--and follows with descriptions of recent accomplishments of one librarian and her staff in managing an academic library and teaching bibliographic instruction from an openly feminist perspective. It is suggested that the feminist management style is tolerated because it is seen as being in keeping with the stereotypical view of librarianship as a women's profession, and because it effectively services the patriarchal institution; however, this style and perspective is not recommended as a model for others to follow. The origins of women's studies curricula are recalled and women faculty members are urged to work with librarians to analyze and take action in transforming the role of all women on university campuses. Women in academia are also encouraged to make connections outside the campus community with all disenfranchised and disempowered groups. The impact of library automation and increased uses of technology on information dissemination are briefly discussed, and feminist librarians are urged to make the study of information--its availability, its organization, and its dissemination--a vital part of their discourse within the library profession, and to work with women's studies faculty colleagues to make this a central component of the women's study curriculum. (SD)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Media Staff; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A