Demystifying decolonising: practical steps in libraries (April '23)

The aim of the event is to introduce attendees to ideas around understanding coloniality in the context of our library collections and services. We will be sharing practice, talking about what decolonisation means to us and how our institutions are working towards a shared commitment for long-term change.

• What steps can we take to introduce decoloniality within our everyday practice?   
• How can we sow the seeds to encourage our co-workers to feel confident about talking about these issues?  
• How can we go beyond diversifying reading lists?   
• How can we collaborate with academics, colleagues and students across the institution?  
• What practical and innovative projects can we work on to raise awareness?   

These are all questions we are asking ourselves in our institutions. We will be sharing practice, talking about what decolonisation means to us and how our institutions are working towards a shared commitment for long-term change.  We will also be asking participants to contribute to the session with their ideas.   

Presenters: 

• Kaushika Patel (DMU) tbc – Title tbc (Introduction to decolonising as a concept) 
• Oonagh Monaghan (UoL) - Decolonising @Lincoln: creative projects and collaborative spaces 
• Kat Halliday (UoW) - Decolonising the University of Warwick Library through student partnerships.  
• Kaye Towlson (DMU) - Practical tips and concrete actions, facing the challenges of decolonising in a Library setting