An Exploratory Community-Engaged Framework to Operationalize Building Bridges between Public Library Education and Praxis

Authors

  • Reba Williams University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Bharat Mehra University of Alabama, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21900/j.alise.2024.1667

Keywords:

Praxis and theory, community engaged scholarship, bridge building, underserved community

Abstract

This article explores an exploratory/emerging framework collaboratively developed by a public librarian and library and information science (LIS) educator to operationalize community-engaged programming through critical autoethnographic reflections from Williams (first author) doctoral journey. The authors propose a novel framework, emphasizing elements crucial to a community-embedded approach, and employ a critical autoethnographic methodology to provide a nuanced understanding focused on generating community impact. The findings apply elements of a community-engaged framework in relation to both authors’ contributions with regard to the performance of their roles as a public librarian (and doctoral student) and LIS educator respectively. The discussion critically addresses the emerging challenges and presents opportunities with potential implications for LIS education.

 

Author Biographies

  • Reba Williams, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

    Reba Williams is a dedicated and compassionate individual and has emerged as a powerful voice for the oppressed in the Titusville Community, Alabama, combating information poverty through her role as the Manager of the Titusville Public Library, a branch of the Birmingham Public Library. Williams' positionality as an African American public librarian who grew up in the American South has provided her a understanding of the difficulties faced by diverse underserved communities.   

    After earning a MLIS in Library and Information Science from the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Williams began her doctoral degree to further her social justice and inclusion advocacy skills via rigorous action research and community-embedded scholarship. Williams has been able to embark on a mission to bridge the insurmountable gaps faced by underserved communities via information-related work in her library environment. Armed with a commitment to inclusivity and equity, she sought opportunities to apply her knowledge in real-world community settings.  

    Rather than limiting herself to traditional library roles Williams actively engaged with the community to understand its unique needs. The ways to address the social, cultural, and economic gaps was discovered through democratic action through ethnographic methods, surveys, community meetings, and one-on-one conversations with residents. Determined to make a difference, Williams then implemented non-traditional and innovative programs to address the community's specific needs. 

     

    Williams has presented several information literacy initiatives, technology training workshops, information/resource events and collaborations with local organizations. These activities were to provide culturally relevant information on literacy, healthcare, job opportunities, and legal rights. By collaborating with schools, business stakeholders, community centers, and social services, a network of support was created to work in uplifting the underserved.  

    Through Williams's dedication, the Titusville Public Library transformed into a hub of empowerment and knowledge. Gradually, the community witnessed positive changes, with an increase in digital skills, and improved access to essential information. 

    Williams has made a positive difference to the Birmingham community through extended role of the public librarian. She established a safe and brave space environment at her public library by community service, the facilitation of interactive programs for youth, teens, and adults, as well as ongoing visits to schools and hospitals to pursue partnerships, contributing in a meaningful manner to the residents of Birmingham. 

    Williams has received many public accolades for creating meaningful programs that assisted with the transformation of her community and library at Titusville. These include: 

    Williams’ legacy is not only in through the programs that have been implemented, but in the lives that have been touched and the empowerment that has been provided to underserved communities. In breaking down barriers and dismantling vicious cycles surrounding information poverty, Williams serves as a beacon of hope for a more equitable and sustainable future. 

      

     

     

     

  • Bharat Mehra, University of Alabama, USA

    Dr. Bharat Mehra is a Professor and the EBSCO Endowed Chair in Social Justice at the School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alabama, a role he has held since January 2019. His research centers on diversity, inclusion, and social justice within Library and Information Science (LIS), with a particular focus on community informatics—the use of information and communication technologies to empower minority and underserved populations to enact meaningful changes in their lives. Dr. Mehra employs action research to foster engaged scholarship and community partnerships, collaborating with racial and ethnic minorities, international diasporas, sexual minorities, rural communities, low-income families, and small businesses to integrate their experiences and needs into the design of community-based information systems and services.

    Before joining the University of Alabama, Dr. Mehra served as a faculty member at the School of Information Sciences, University of Tennessee, from January 2005 to December 2018. He earned his Ph.D. in Information Sciences in December 2004 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

    Dr. Mehra teaches courses that emphasize social justice advocacy, diversity leadership, outreach services to diverse populations, community-engaged scholarship, public library management, and grant development for information professionals. In his role as EBSCO Endowed Chair, he is advancing the LIS component of the college-wide doctoral program with a concentration on social justice research. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and justice for marginalized communities.

    Dr. Mehra’s research interests include diversity and inclusion, intercultural communication, social justice in LIS, critical and cross-cultural studies, community engagement, rural libraries, human information behaviors of underserved populations, action research, and qualitative research methods.

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Published

2024-10-16

Issue

2024: ALISE Proceedings

Section

Juried Papers

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Copyright (c) 2024 Reba Williams Williams, Dr. Bharat Mehra

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