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)

• "Vocational Awe and Librarianship: The Lies We Tell Ourselves" (January 2018 article from, In the Library With the Lead Pipe)
• Ettarh's Webpage/Blog
• Follow Ettarh on Twitter @Fobettarh
• Latanya Jenkins' story
• ALA Memorial Resolution Honoring Latanya N. Jenkins

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

*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:

• The Criticalness of LIS Incorporating Critical Theory, Pedagogy, and Action in LIS Research, Teaching, and Practice by Jamillah R. Gabriel
• Critical Librarianship & Pedagogy: Interview with Jamillah Gabriel by Jamia Williams
• Archiving Blackness: Reimagining and Recreating the Archive(s) as Literary and Information Wake Work by Jamillah R. Gabriel

Hosts: LaRee Dominguez & Roxanne M. Renteria
Date of Interview: May 10, 2024

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
Date of Interview: April 9, 2024

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 checkout 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

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.
Only current ALA members may participate in the 2024 ALA Election.
Click here to join or renew ALA today!

Hosts: LaRee Dominguez & Brittany Young
Date of Interview: February 20, 2024

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

Association of Library Services to Children
ALSC EDI Committee
ALSC Equity Fellowship
JCLC (Joint Council for Librarians of Color)

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