Library Activist Groups
These links lead to organizations that support, fight for or actively mobilize information professionals and the general public around political, social, and cultural issues. These groups are concerned with social justice issues and try to promote progressive stances within the library/information community by supporting, for example, alternative presses, poverty activism, international responsibilities, and services to minorities.
- Progressive Librarians’ Guild “Librarians concerned with [the] profession’s rapid drift into dubious alliances with business and the information industry, and into complacent acceptance of service to an unquestioned political, economic and cultural status quo.” They sponsor programmes, publish “Progressive Librarians”, and have an email-discussion list.
- Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT) of the American Library Association
Working “to make ALA more democratic and to establish progressive priorities not only for the Association, but also for the entire profession.” Has many taskforces in which members can participate.
Other library association SRRT’s:
SRRT of the New York Library Association
SRRT of the Oregon Library Association
SRRT of the Wisconsin Library Association -
Progressive Archivists
“Progressive Archivists is a discussion group and caucus for archivists (and anyone else) interested in social responsibility in the context of the archival profession.” -
Anarchist Librarians Web
“A network of radical and anarchist librarians working towards a better world and socially responsible libraries. We get together at library conventions, anarchist conferences, and radical book fairs to put on protests, raise awareness, or simply drink beers together.” - Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center Library
“The Library’s mission is to support the educational, research, and informational needs of IMC (Independent Media Center) media creators as well as the community.” -
Librarians for Peace
Group of librarians and archivists advocating for peace through letter writing campaigns and a list-serv. - Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
“A public-interest alliance concerned about the impact of computer technology on society. Members provide the public and policymakers with realistic assessments of the power, promise, and limitations of computer technology.” - Radical Reference: Answers for Those Who Question Authority
“Radical reference is a service provided by volunteer library workers from all over the United States. The main goal of this service is to assist demonstrators and activists at the convergence surrounding the Republican National Convention in New York City August 29-September 2, 2004. Library workers will utilize their professional skills and tools to answer information needs from the general public, journalists, and activists.”