RLUK Inclusive Collections, Inclusive Libraries | Decolonising the curriculum & research libraries
Channel: ResearchLibrariesUK
Date: 08/02/2023

Inclusive Collections, Inclusive Libraries is an RLUK programme of events that aims to foster conversation around decolonisation and inclusive practice in collecting, describing, presenting, and engaging with content in research library collections. It seeks to raise awareness about the opportunities and challenges of dealing with, contextualising, and engaging with offensive collections while also identifying and sharing examples of good practice.

https://www.rluk.ac.uk/icil/

Decolonising the curriculum and the role of the research library

Higher Education institutions in the UK and beyond have been increasing efforts to decolonise the academic curriculum. The reason is often twofold and linked to the current need to offer modules and academic content that represent the interests of their diverse student communities as well as to tackle racism and inequality across the campus.

Research libraries play a leading role in the process of decolonisation through their collections and expert support of their staff, which in many cases has led to a review of existing institutional practices and processes. During this seminar, professionals from two RLUK research libraries discussed the role of the research library in decolonising the curriculum, shared their experiences and reflected on the opportunities and the challenges that this role involves.

Addressing the colonial legacies in the University of Liverpool’s heritage collections
Joanne Fitton, Deputy Director Libraries, Museums, Galleries, and Robyn Orr, Liaison Librarian for the School of Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool Library

This talk outlined the current project work on the heritage collections by Libraries, Museums & Galleries staff, and how this is related to, and informed by, academic, institutional and external partnerships.


Decolonising library collections: contemporary issues, practical solutions and examples from LSE
Kevin Wilson, Academic Liaison and Collection Development Manager, The London School of Economics and Political Science Library

In his presentation, Kevin provides a summary of the book chapter he contributed to ‘Narrative Expansions: Interpreting Decolonisation in Academic Libraries’, edited by Jess Crilly and Regina Everitt (Facet Publishing). The presentation includes a historical overview of the development of LSE Library’s collections and how a recent collection evaluation confirmed the strengths and weaknesses of those collections. It also focuses on bias within collection development and reading lists across academic disciplines. The presentation culminates in some practical tips that libraries can take to develop more diverse collections.