QUESTION
How are libraries curating collections for diverse communities and subject areas?
0:50:07
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3 min
Council Member Shahana Hanif questions the library presidents about their curation practices, especially for thematic weeks and various communities. The discussion reveals a complex selection process involving algorithms, local branch input, and education experts. Linda E. Johnson of Brooklyn Public Library emphasizes their philosophy of serving diverse communities and their non-involvement in political statements. Dennis Walcott of Queen's Public Library adds how they adapt collections to reflect shifting local demographics, stressing the importance of diversity in thought and language. The conversation underscores the libraries' commitment to make literature accessible, reflecting the city's diversity, without engaging in political disputes.
Shahana Hanif
0:50:07
We'd love to hear from the other presidents what steps your fibers are taking and how the curation process takes place, particularly for these specific weeks for particular communities and particular subject areas and particular types of literature?
Linda E. Johnson
0:50:27
First, I'll say for the three of us that after October 7th, you'll notice that not one of our institutions made a statement despite some pressure to the contrary.
0:50:38
But for the very reasons that Tony just laid out, we serve people of every community.
0:50:45
Serve diverse communities.
0:50:47
It's not our place to make a statement about what's happening in the Middle East or any other conflict that may be waged in our world these days.
0:50:59
In terms of how we decide what collections wire.
0:51:04
It's a complicated process, and there are people whose job.
0:51:07
I always think this must be the best job in the library.
0:51:09
It's their jobs to decide what books to buy.
0:51:13
It's based on many, many components, including algorithms, but also input from branch libraries about what the communities are looking to read its from education experts, and, as I said, people who are trained in this very field.
0:51:32
So it's not a simple process.
0:51:34
And we buy an extraordinary amount of books even in a bad budget cycle.
0:51:39
There are not many in institutions or organizations that acquire the number of titles that the 3 of us, especially when you put us together, that the 3 of us wire.
Dennis Walcott
0:51:50
Just to add to that, I mean, we, like New York and Brooklyn, really don't get involved in the political aspect of life.
0:51:59
Our goal is what we're talking about today to make sure that books are available for individuals to choose from, and that's what we do.
0:52:07
We have a team of people who are more expert than I am as far as who form our review committee, as far as the purchasing of books.
0:52:17
As I think Linda just indicated, reflecting the local demographics of a community as well.
0:52:23
And I'll use Langston Hughes, as a proxy, and that's part of the discussion when Langston Hughes first started.
0:52:29
The community was predominantly black.
0:52:32
Now, a heavy Hispanic population and a variety of different groups have moved into the East Elmhurst Corona area.
0:52:40
And you've seen a reflection of our books change as a result of the changing demographics of the community, making sure we continue the history and the balancing of what Langston Hughes was about.
0:52:51
But at the same time, making sure that books and materials reflect the demographics of the community itself, and we do that throughout all different types of groups.
0:53:01
Making sure those types of books and materials available for people to choose from.
0:53:04
And it has not been an issue at QPL, and I imagine as well as
Linda E. Johnson
0:53:09
I would just add one thing, which is in addition to diversity of thought.
0:53:14
We also are working hard with world language collections to make sure that we're serving populations not only on whatever platform they're most comfortable, but also on whatever language that they
Dennis Walcott
0:53:24
Great point.
0:53:24
That's the excellent point because we are seeing new languages come through our door every day and how we then have to make sure the material reflects the new groups of individuals who are moving into the most dynamic diverse city in the world.
0:53:41
And making sure our material have books reflect that.
Shahana Hanif
0:53:45
Thank you so much.
