S3, E9: Book Bans and Intellectual Freedom w/ Dr. Emily Knox
In this episode, Dr. Emily Knox, a professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explores the intersection of intellectual freedom, freedom of expression, and social justice, as well as power, neutrality, and the rise in book challenges and bans in the United States.
Hosts: Ericka Brunson-Rochette and Gene Iparraguirre
Record Date: October 9, 2024*
*Please note episode was recorded prior to the 2024 election
Mentioned in this episode:
‘The creed of a librarian: no politics, no religion, no morals’ by D.J. Foskett
ALA Library Bill of Rights
Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse 2024 Report
Book Riot article on Krause’s 850 “Banned Books”
Direct link to the episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/episodes/16173025
In this episode*, we have the absolute honor of conversing with Donna Barba Higuera, Middle Grade and Picture Book Author, Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Award Winner and New York Times Best Seller. Donna shares from where and whom she draws her stories, and how she went from an imaginative child to inspiring readers of all ages.
In a time where book challenges are on the rise, Donna discusses the importance and power of sharing stories, owning the stories you hear and having access to stories representing all kinds of readers.
*A follow-up conversation was had between Donna, Ericka and Pia live on stage at the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC) National Institute on September 21, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. The theme of the Institute was Standing up for Stories, and the hosts were able to dig deeper into the stories shared in this conversation and Donna, in turn, asked questions of the hosts about the power of sharing voices and experiences on the podcast. Unfortunately, there were sound quality issues with that recording and in the end it was not able to be saved. Pia and Ericka share a small reflection on both conversations at the end of this episode.
Date of interview: August 27, 2024
Date of post interview reflection: October 16, 2024
Host(s): Ericka Brunson-Rochette & Pia Alliende
Additional Info. & Links:
Donna's website-https://www.dbhiguera.com/
2024 ALSC National Institute-https://www.ala.org/alsc/confsce/institute
Direct link to episode:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/episodes/16023173
S. 3, Episode 6, So'oh Story Time: Stories for Our Grandchildren w/ Shannon LaRance
In this episode we are joined in conversation by Shannon LaRance (Dine'/Hopi/Assiniboine). Founder of Indigenous Empowerment, Indigenous Empowerment's mission is to ensure culturally sensitive counselors and social service agents are accessible to those in need. Our goal is to train human service organizations across the nation on the complexities, nuances, and beauty of Indigenous people., Social Worker, Counselor, So’oh Story Time.
So'oh, meaning "Grandmother" in Hopi, embodies the essence of our storytelling traditions. It reflects the nurturing and educational atmosphere created on her Youtube channel - “So’oh Story Time”. LaRance reads books for our children and grandchildren - with an emphasis on books written or illustrated by Native American/Indigenous authors and illustrators.
Date of interview: September 6, 2024
Host(s): LaRee Dominguez & Joan Vigil
Additional Info. & Links:
Shannonlarance.com
So'oh Story Time - YouTube
In this episode we are joined in conversation by scholar, academic consultant, librarian and educational game designer, Fobzi Ettarh, who notably coined the concept of "vocational awe" in 2018. Ettarh shares how vocational awe operates at both the micro and macro levels, contributing to problematic hiring, onboarding, and retention practices in the library profession, and illustrates how this concept directly ties to workplace inequities and burnout.
Additionally, Ettarh provides actionable ways to escape the trap of vocational awe by prioritizing mental health and rest, achieving work-life balance, reframing how we are showing up for community, and urging administrators to lead by example.
Date of interview: July 17, 2024
Host(s): Ericka Brunson-Rochette & Rodrigo Gaspar-Barajas
Additional Info. & Links:
Vocational Awe- “the set of ideas, values, and assumptions librarians have about themselves and the profession that result in beliefs that libraries as institutions are inherently good and sacred, and therefore beyond critique.” (Ettarh, 2018)
Direct Link to Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/episodes/15477729-s3-e5-escaping-the-vocational-awe-trap-w-fobazi-ettarh
Season 3, Episode 4: Maawn Doobiigeng Classification System
with Anne Heidemann & Melissa Isaac
Description:
Anne Heidemann & Melissa Isaac from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan join us to share about Maawn Doobiigeng, a new classification system for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Library.
In 2019, The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries were awarded the IMLS National Leadership Grant to facilitate the creation of a new classification system by members of the community. As of April 2024, this new system, titled Maawn Doobiigeng (Gather Together), has been created and is being implemented into the libraries. Heidemann and Isaac share about the process, from idea to implementation, and explain why this new system was imperative for accurately describing and providing access to Native topics.
Date of interview: June 12, 2024
Hosts: LaRee Dominguez & Gene Iparraguirre
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries--Maawn Doobiigeng
Maawn Doobiigeng Press Release
Examples -
. 
Direct link to episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/15337873
Season 3, Episode 3: An Introduction to Critical Librarianship
with Jamillah R. Gabriel
Description:
*There were slight technical issues during the recording of this episode. We apologize for any minor disruptions*
We are excited to welcome Jamillah R. Gabriel, the Critical Pedagogy Research Librarian at Harvard University and co-host of the podcast LibVoices, for a second time. Jamillah provides listeners with a beginner-friendly overview of Critical Pedagogy, how it can be applied to library and information science, and used to promote EDIA within libraries and educational settings.
Jamillah explores why EDIA racism trainings fail (or perhaps more accurately, why EDIA trainings are designed to fail), and how decolonizing bibliographic research can aid in centering marginalized voices and perspectives when it comes to knowledge production and citation.
For additional readings on the topics discussed, try:
Hosts: LaRee Dominguez & Roxanne M. Renteria
Date of Interview: May 10, 2024
Direct link to episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/15167148
Season 3, Episode 2: Connecting Libraries with Communities
with Immer Honorato
In this episode, Immer Honorato, Library Outreach Specialist at the Tualatin Public Library, talks with us about connecting his library with his community in Tualatin, Oregon.
As an immigrant of Mexico who grew up in Tualatin, Immer brings an important bilingual and bicultural perspective to bridging the gap between library services and a library’s community. He reminds us that there are steps that all of us can take to improve accessibility, a sense of belonging, and relevancy in our libraries.
Winter 2024 OLAQ- "Bibliotequitas para Tualatin (Bibliotequitas for Tualatin)" Pg. 29-31
Hosts: Joan Vigil & Kristen Curé LaRee Dominguez & Roxanne M. Renteria
Date of Interview: April 9, 2024
Season 3, Episode 1: Uplifting Youth in Library Spaces with Aaron Whitfield
Multitalented Aaron Whitefield joins the hosts and shares insight gained from leading successful multicultural academic programs during the decade he spent working as an educator, library professional and youth development specialist in Columbus, Ohio. Aaron’s passion for uplifting youth and creating community is apparent, even while navigating systemic issues like sexism, classism, and racism. Those interested in better understanding the “unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs of living as a Black introvert in an ever-changing America” should check out his podcast, The Semi-Social Life of a Black Introvert.
Website: MU.FA.LI. - Home (iammufali.com
Hosts: LaRee Dominguez & Roxanne M. Renteria
Date of Interview: February 23, 2024
Direct link to episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/episodes/14786908-s3-episode-1-uplifting-youth-in-library-spaces-with-aaron-whitfield
Season 2, Episode 11: Building Relationships Through Libraries
with Ray Pun
In this episode, Dr. Raymond (Ray) Pun (academic and research librarian at the Alder Graduate School of Education) shares insights on effective library advocacy through collaboration and community building, advice for aspiring librarians of color, and the value of involvement in the American Library Association and committee work.
We hear about Ray's career transition from public to academic libraries, delve into the intersection of social justice and intellectual freedom (Ray introduces us to ALA's Book Resumes for banned books!), and touch on AI in education. Don't miss Ray's vision for ALA as a 2025-2026 presidential candidate.
The 2024 ALA Election Period runs from March 11, 2024 through April 3, 2024:
https://www.ala.org/aboutala/governance/alaelection
Hosts: LaRee Dominguez & Brittany Young
Date of Interview: February 20, 2024
Season 2, Episode 10: Librarians of Color Advocating for Youth
with Ayn Reyes Frazee and Mai Takahashi
In this episode, we hear from Ayn Reyes Frazee and Mai Takahashi, co-chairs of the newly formed EDI Committee of ALSC (Association of Library Services to Children, a division of ALA). Frazee, who serves as current president of the Oregon Association of School Libraries, is a high school librarian in Portland and was a 2019 ALSC Equity and Diversity Fellow. Takahashi is a youth services librarian at the Seattle Public Library, working closely with Seattle’s Indigenous community and with local nonprofits that serve currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families. She was a 2020 ALSC Equity and Diversity Fellow.
The duo discusses the formation of the committee from the viewpoint of BIPOC library staffers serving diverse communities, and the career paths and advocacy for youth that led them to these positions. We hear their vision for the on-going scope of work ahead in the effort to bring more voices to the table.
Hosts: Ericka Brunson-Rochette & Constance Palaia
Date of Interview: January 16, 2024
OVERDUE S2, Episode 9: Navigating Support Systems When Under Fire
with Nichelle M. Hayes
We are joined in this episode by Nichelle M. Hayes, MPA, MLS, founding director of the Center for Black Literature & Culture, and former CEO (Interim) of the Indianapolis Public Library, and current President of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA).
Hayes shares her background in human resources with us as she discusses ways that HR departments can help library organizations become more inclusive, diverse, and supportive of BIPOC library staff. She brings concrete suggestions for how HR departments and, by extension, library directors can advance EDI from theory to practice. The discussion ranges from how administrators can support BIPOC staff to how mentors and professional groups can likewise be of support.
Visit her blog at https://thetiesthatbind.blog
Hosts: Ericka Brunson-Rochette & Bryan Miyagishima
Date of Interview: October 26, 2023
OVERDUE S2, Episode 8: Amplifying LibVoices
with Jamia Williams & Jamillah Gabriel
Description
In this episode, we have the absolute honor of speaking with Jamia Williams (Consumer Health Program Specialist with the Network of the National Library of Medicine(NNLM) Training Office) and Jamillah Gabriel (Critical Pedagogy Research Librarian in the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University and a PhD student in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign).
Before Overdue: Weeding out Oppression in Libraries started, Jamia and Jamillah started LibVoices, a podcast with the mission to "Hear from librarians of color speak to the fullness of their careers including successes, challenges, and achievements." Listen as we learn about their experiences' with the podcast, as they share what their favorite guest(s) and poignant moments are, and experience how they stay passionate about libraries. This episode is an inspiration and is full of laughter!
Listen to LibVoices
The Diversity Fellows Blog
jamillahgabriel.com
Call Number: Curated Black Lit Book Box
Hosts: Brittany Young & Ericka Brunson-Rochette
Date of Interview: October 12, 2023
Here is the direct link to the episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/13853441
Season 2, Episode 7: Libraries, Communities and Mentorship - Connecting the Dots with Loida Garcia-Febo
Re-release of S1, Episode 10
Description
In this episode, we talk with Loida Garcia-Febo – a Puerto Rican American librarian, International Library Consultant expert in library services to diverse populations and human rights and the 2018-2019 President of the American Library Association – about the importance of getting out of the library and into communities, mentoring staff, in particular nurturing Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), and equipping all with empathy to better serve library communities. Trust is an important factor in doing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism work in libraries, as Garcia-Febo explains. Library staff need to work alongside community partners outside of the library to build that trust.
Hosts: Roxanne Renteria and Brittany Young
Date Recorded: September 20, 2022
Season 2, Episode 6 : Indigenous Systems of Knowledge
with Dr. Sandy Littletree
Description:
In this episode we talk with Dr. Sandy Littletree (Navajo/Eastern Shoshone), Assistant Professor at the Information School at the University of Washington, whose work focuses on Native North American Indigenous Knowledge.
Dr. Littletree shares background about Indigenous systems of knowledge, and practical application as it pertains to Indigenous information science, Indigenous librarianship and the intersections of tribal sovereignty, technology, knowledge, and information in Native North America. The discussion also shines a light on the importance of cultivating cultural humility as an ongoing practice, and as a foundation to establishing meaningful, authentic and compassionate connections.
Date of Interview: August 16, 2023
Hosts: LaRee Dominguez & Kristen Curé
Season 2, Episode 5 : Connecting Incarcerated Patrons to Library Services
with Jody Redifer, Enrique Rivera & Trevor Walraven
Description:
In this episode of Overdue, we talk with Jody Redifer, Program Specialist at Multnomah County Library; Enrique Rivera, Library Outreach Specialist at Multnomah County Library*, and Trevor Walraven, Associate Director of Policy and Prison Outreach for the Oregon Justice Resource Center, about their work with patrons experiencing Oregon’s carceral system.
These three individuals share their experiences, as well as provide guidance around providing access to library and information services, helping incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people with resources and readily available information that is lacking in the current justice system.
Date of Interview: June 7, 2023
Hosts: Bryan Miyagishima & Brittany Young
*Enrique Rivera will be transitioning into the role of Director of Higher Education in Prison at Portland State University on August 1, 2023
*There were technical issues during the recording of this episode. We apologize for any minor disruptions*
S2, Episode 4: School Librarians Creating a Culture of Reading and Inclusion while Navigating Challenges
with K.C. Boyd, Pia Alliende & Andy Spinks (Re-Release)
In light of the continued fight against book banning and censorship, we are re-releasing a conversation from last fall with the 2022 School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year, K.C. Boyd, and the two 2022 School Librarian of the Year finalists, Pia Alliende and Andy Spinks.
Amid book challenges, political and cultural attempts to staunch access to books that reflect the history and lives of our youth, and funding cuts to school libraries, these courageous library heroes talk about their grit and determination to provide mirrors, inspiration, and access to information for all youth. Andy, K.C., and Pia discuss preparing for challenges, antiracist and inclusive collection development, and how to keep our eyes on the prize of nurturing healthy, critical, and curious youth.
School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year 2023 Nominations have closed since the recording of this episode, and the2023 School Librarian of the Year and Finalists can be viewed here.
https://www.banbookbans.com/
Hosts: Constance Palaia & Ericka Brunson-Rochette
Date Recorded: October 23, 2022
Direct Link to Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/13136122
Season 2, Episode 3: BIPOC Leadership in Libraries
with Chantel Walker and Patricia Wong
In this episode, we talk with Chantel Walker, Director of the Marin County Library Foundation and change management consultant with the County of Marin and other government organizations, and Patricia “Patty” Wong, City Librarian for the Santa Clara City Library and immediate past president of the American Library Association.
These two dynamic change-makers share challenges and successes from their own lived experiences in leadership, highlight the importance of community-centered service and provide suggestions on navigating leadership and opportunities as professionals of color in predominately white spaces.
Date of interview: May 19, 2023
Hosts: Ericka Brunson-Rochette and Krista Neth
Season 2, Episode 2: Mentoring and Developing the Profession
with Tracie D. Hall
Season 1, Episode 5 Relaunched (4/28/23)
In honor of Tracie D. Hall having been named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2023, we are excited to re-release this conversation with Tracie from last spring. This is a recognition very well deserved, and we are so very thankful for the effort and passion Tracie exhibits daily to make libraries a welcoming and safe place for everyone.
In this episode, we talk with Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director of the American Library Association, about how diversifying library staff is essential to the future of the library profession and how individuals can advocate for themselves and find opportunities to work with mentors or to mentor others. Hall discusses how her own background and experiences have shaped her view of library work, as well as the critical role that history, the arts, and libraries play in our communities.
Huge thank you’s are due to committee member Krista Neth for editing out the complications we had with this one from last time, adding our new intro and changing our acknowledgements and thank you's to our newer format! We appreciate all your work on this!
Date of interview: May 19, 2022
Hosts: Ericka Brunson-Rochette and Melissa Anderson
OLA EDI & Antiracism Toolkit: https://bit.ly/3qSMDF7
Season 2, Episode 1: Alternative Facts
with Lorraine Bannai, Jon Osaki, and Jenny Silbiger
On this episode of Overdue, we speak with filmmaker and owner of JJML Productions, Jon Osaki, State Law Librarian and Access to Justice Coordinator for the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, Jenny Silbiger and Professor Emerita and Director Emerita of the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality at Seattle University School of Law, Lorraine Bannai about Jon Osaki’s documentary Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066 and how research and libraries played important roles in exposing the truths and in bringing people together in solidarity and community.
Date of interview: March 16, 2023
Hosts: LaRee Dominguez and Brittany Young
Resources mentioned: Please see the description details on this Buzzsprout episode for a list of resources related to this interview.
Episode 14: Righting Black History
w/Sherry Antoine, Laurie Bridges & Diana Park
In this episode, we talk with Sherry Antoine (Executive Director of AfroCROWD), Laurie Bridges (Instruction and Outreach librarian at Oregon State University), and Diana Park (Science Librarian at Oregon State University) about their work to RIGHT history by writing Black history into Wikipedia.
Learn about what is happening in libraries and partner organizations to further representation of Black folx (and all Black, Indigenous, and People of Color). Wikipedia is one of the first results that comes up when we search the web, while still often disregarded for its ability to allow anyone to add information to the large system of knowledge. That ability, for ALL to contribute to this repository of information and history, provides a new way to fight for social justice and Black futures.
Date of interview: February 13, 2023
Hosts: Melissa Anderson and Brittany Young
Links mentioned in this episode:
This is the official last episode of OVERDUE Season 1. We have had a very successful year with FOURTEEN episodes, and I think this is a wonderful note to end on to not only wrap up our first season, but to also commemorate the end of Black History Month and remind people that righting histories, sharing accurate information and honoring Black and African American ancestry, culture and history does not stop after the month of February
Episode 13 (released 02/15/2023)
Librarians with Spines Part 2 w/Autumn Anglin, Max Macias and Yago Cura
In part 2 of this two-part episode, we talk to the creative team behind the Librarians with Spines book series calling for radical librarianship, Yago Cura, Max Macias and Autumn Anglin. This trio of "information agitators" share the origins of this series, the need for necessary boundary-pushing in the library profession, and the importance of having a strong support system when doing antiracism work.
Hear about the efforts that went into the design and creation of Vol. 3, released in fall of 2022, and get a sneak peek of what's next for this series of essays pushing for a new era of librarianship.
Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1948067/12147785
Order Librarians with Spines v.1, 2 & 3 here: https://www.hinchaspress.com/librarians-with-spines
Visit the Librarians with Spines Blog, here: https://www.librarianswithspines.com/
Link to the EDI & ANTIRACISM TOOLKIT, here: https://tinyurl.com/yckmt4ch
Hosts: Constance Palaia & Ericka Brunson-Rochette
Date Recorded: December 23, 2022
Episode 12 (released 01/31/23):
Librarians with Spines Part 1 with Autumn Anglin, Max Macias and Yago Cura
In Part 1 of this two-part episode, we talk to the creative team behind the Librarians With Spines book series calling for radical librarianship, Yago Cura, Max Macias and Autumn Anglin. This trio of "information agitators" share the origins of this series, the need for necessary boundary-pushing in the library profession, and the importance of having a strong support system when doing antiracism work.
Hear about the efforts that went into the design and creation of Vol. 3, released in fall of 2022, and get a sneak peek of what's next for this series of essays pushing for a new era of librarianship.
Order Librarians with Spines v1, 2 & 3 here: https://www.hinchaspress.com/librarians-with-spines
Visit the Librarians with Spines Blog
Link to the EDI & Antiracism Toolkit
Hosts: Constance Palaia & Ericka Brunson-Rochette
Date Recorded: December 23, 2022
Episode 11 (released 12/30/22)
Centering Equity in Oregon Libraries with Brandace Rojo and Eduardo Arizaga
*There were technical issues during the recording of this episode. We apologize for any minor disruptions*
In this episode, we talk with leadership from REFORMA Oregon about centering equity work as the foundation of library work, how to begin shifting Oregon library culture to better serve diverse communities as well as how a culture shift can support library workers of color. We also talk about how REFORMA Oregon supports EDI Antiracism work in the state and how this organization serves as a structure of support for library workers who identify as Latinx, speak Spanish or serve Latinx and Spanish-speaking communities.
Brandace Rojo is the Current President of REFORMA Oregon and the Communications and Partnerships Manager at Josephine Community Library District.
Eduardo Arizaga is the Past President of REFORMA Oregon and the Community Engagement Manager at Multnomah County Library. REFORMA Oregon is a division of the Oregon Library Association as well as the Oregon chapter of REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, an affiliate of the American Library Association. REFORMA Oregon is a professional organization for librarians and library staff who serve the Spanish-speaking and Latino communities.
Hosts: LaRee Dominguez and Kristen Cure
Date Recorded: November 18, 2022
Episode 10 (released 11/30/22)
Libraries, Communities and Mentorship - Connecting the Dots with Loida Garcia-Febo
In this episode, we talk with Loida Garcia-Febo – a Puerto Rican American librarian, International Library Consultant expert in library services to diverse populations and human rights and the 2018-2019 President of the American Library Association – about the importance of getting out of the library and into communities, mentoring staff, in particular nurturing Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), and equipping all with empathy to better serve library communities. Trust is an important factor in doing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism work in libraries, as Garcia-Febo explains. Library staff need to work alongside community partners outside of the library to build that trust.
Hosts: Roxanne Renteria and Brittany Young
Date Recorded: September 20, 2022
Episode 9 (released 11/15/22)
School Librarians Creating a Culture of Reading and Inclusion while Navigating Challenges with K.C. Boyd, Pia Alliende & Andy Spinks
In this special episode, we talk with the School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year, K.C. Boyd, and the two School Librarian of the Year finalists, Pia Alliende and Andy Spinks. Amid book challenges, political and cultural attempts to staunch access to books that reflect the history and lives of our youth, and funding cuts to school libraries, these courageous library heroes talk about their grit and determination to provide mirrors, inspiration, and access to information for all youth. Andy, K.C., and Pia discuss preparing for challenges, antiracist, and inclusive collection development, and how to keep our eyes on the prize of nurturing healthy, critical, curious youth and their successful transition to adulthood.
School Library Journal 2023 School Librarian of the Year Nominations are due December 5, 2022.
Hosts: Constance Palaia & Ericka Brunson-Rochette
Date Recorded: October 23, 2022
