Libraries on the frontlines: neutrality and social justice | Emerald Insight Books and journals Case studies Expert Briefings Open Access Advanced search Libraries on the frontlines: neutrality and social justice Amelia N. Gibson (School of Library and Information Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA) Renate L. Chancellor (Department of Library and Information Science, Catholic University of America, Washington, District of Columbia, USA) Nicole A. Cooke (School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA) Sarah Park Dahlen (Master of Library and Information Science Program, St Catherine University, St Paul, Minnesota, USA) Shari A. Lee (Division of Library and Information Science, St John’s University, Queens, New York, USA) Yasmeen L. Shorish (Research & Educational Services, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion ISSN: 2040-7149 Publication date: 20 November 2017 Abstract Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine libraries’ responsibility to engage with and support communities of color as they challenge systemic racism, engage in the political process, and exercise their right to free speech. Many libraries have ignored the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, citing the need to maintain neutrality. Despite extensive scholarship questioning the validity of this concept, the framing of library neutrality as nonpartisanship continues. This paper examines librarianship’s engagement with, and disengagement from black communities through the lens of the BLM movement. It also explores the implications of education, engagement, and activism for people of color and libraries today. Design/methodology/approach The authors have engaged the topic from a critical race perspective as a practice in exercising voice – telling stories, presenting counterstories, and practicing advocacy (Ladson-Billings, 1998). Findings The assertion that libraries have been socially and politically neutral organizations is ahistorical. When libraries decide not to address issues relevant to people of color, they are not embodying neutrality; they are actively electing not to support the information and service needs of a service population. In order for libraries to live up to their core values, they must engage actively with communities, especially when those communities are in crisis. Originality/value As a service field, librarianship has an ethos, values, and history that parallel those of many other service fields. This paper has implications for developing understanding of questions about equitable service provision. Keywords Social justice Libraries Neutrality Library as place African Americans Black Lives Matter Citation Gibson, A.N., Chancellor, R.L., Cooke, N.A., Park Dahlen, S., Lee, S.A. and Shorish, Y.L. (2017), "Libraries on the frontlines: neutrality and social justice", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 36 No. 8, pp. 751-766. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-11-2016-0100 Download as .RIS Publisher : Emerald Publishing Limited Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited Please note you do not have access to teaching notes You may be able to access teaching notes by logging in via Shibboleth, Open Athens or with your Emerald account. Login If you think you should have access to this content, click the button to contact our support team. Contact us To read the full version of this content please select one of the options below You may be able to access this content by logging in via Shibboleth, Open Athens or with your Emerald account. Login To rent this content from Deepdyve, please click the button. Rent from Deepdyve If you think you should have access to this content, click the button to contact our support team. Contact us Opens in new window Opens in new window Opens in new window Opens in new window © 2020 Emerald Publishing Limited Services Authors Opens in new window Editors Opens in new window Librarians Opens in new window Researchers Opens in new window Reviewers Opens in new window About About Emerald Opens in new window Working for Emerald Opens in new window Contact us Opens in new window Publication sitemap Policies and information Privacy notice Site policies Modern Slavery Act Opens in new window Chair of Trustees governance statement Opens in new window COVID-19 policy Opens in new window × Support & Feedback Manage cookies We’re listening — tell us what you think Something didn’t work… Report bugs here All feedback is valuable Please share your general feedback Member of Emerald Engage? You can join in the discussion by joining the community or logging in here. You can also find out more about Emerald Engage. Join us on our journey Platform update page Visit emeraldpublishing.com/platformupdate to discover the latest news and updates Questions & More Information Answers to the most commonly asked questions here