Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
Decolonising the Public Library describes the main practical, methodological and theoretical approaches to decolonising public libraries. Using case studies and best practice from Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the book provides a thorough understanding of the impact and legacy of imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism on the structure of the public library.
Through a discussion of the history and role of the public library as an agent of colonialism, this book explores how this paradigm can be reversed through decolonization, setting out anti-racism and decolonisation strategies that can be practically applied to public libraries. Chapters cover:
- history and theory of racism, settler colonialism and decolonisation
- what decolonisation means and how it can be applied to public libraries
- the impact and outcomes of decolonisation, and how these can be measured
- how to respond to the opposition to decolonisation
- practical tips and actions to implement decolonisation in the library.
This practical guide is an essential read for librarians looking to learn more about how to decolonise their collection and library as a space.
Decolonising the Public Library is an inspiring, forward‑looking study of how public libraries can address settler‑colonial legacies rooted in historical materialism. Using Thunder Bay Public Library as its case, this book shows how sustained visionary leadership, needs‑based services, community collaborations, and dedicated Indigenous spaces can reshape institutions. Celebrating courage, community leadership, and collaboration, it offers a hopeful vision to advance reconciliation and structural equity. This is an essential read for administrators and EDI practitioners.
— Beth McNeil, Esther Ellis Norton Professor of Library Science, Purdue University; Maha Kumaran, Faculty Librarian, University of Saskatchewan, and Mark Puente, Associate Dean and Associate Professor, Purdue University, co-editors of Championing Change for Global Marginalized Librarians
Pateman and Meady's Decolonising the Public Library is a great example of how institutions, not necessarily at the center of discussion about structural change, can carefully and intentionally work to overcome historical legacies of oppression and cultural violence. Along these lines, this work helps to provide insight into what processes can be used to enhance relationships between local governments and Indigenous communities. The lessons gleamed in this book can be used to provide insight into community development and relationship building processes that have the potential for sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes.
— Jason D. Rivera, Professor of Public Management, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY and co-author (with Michele Companion) of Indigenous Experiences With Collaborative Governance
John Pateman worked in public libraries for over 40 years in several different roles ranging from Library Assistant to Chief Librarian. He was Chief Librarian of three library systems in the UK and Chief Librarian and Chief Executive Officer at Thunder Bay Public Library, Canada. John has published a number of books, including Understanding Public Libraries and Reimagining the Public Library. John is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and a founding member and editorial collective member of Information for Social Change.
Angela Meady was a librarian at the Thunder Bay Public Library, Canada for 37 years and has experience in a variety of fields, including work in corporate and academic libraries and archives. She received the staff-selected Award of Merit from the Thunder Bay Public Library and the Ontario Children’s Librarian of the Year award for her advocacy for children and youth.
Foreword - Hamlin Grange
Introduction
Part 1: Background and Theory
Chapter 1: Racism and Anti-racism
Chapter 2: Settler Colonialism
Chapter 3: Decolonisation
Part Two: Putting Ideas into Action
Chapter 4: The Needs Based Library
Chapter 5: Impact and Outcomes
Chapter 6: Resistance and Evaluation
Chapter 7: Conclusion and Ways Forward
Epilogue