About

About This Resource

A simple "Libraries Resist" resource list was begun by Que(e)ry Librarians on January 29, 2017 as part of an ongoing series of resource lists. Due to widespread interest, Libraries Resist was developed into a separate site and social media presence (@LibrariesResist), and eventually this site, maintained by a small group of volunteer contributors, some of whom are anonymous.

The resources we've selected seek to highlight both examples of some of us already doing this important work, and tools to help others of us do better. This resource is available for everyone, but is targeted at information workers (librarians, archivists, records managers, curators, etc.), primarily those in the United States. Canadian? Check out this great resource from Allana Mayer: Canadian libraries in the 45th US presidency: An actionable guide. 

Use our Feedback form or email us if you want to join our team, contribute resources, or if you notice any errors, misattributions, dead links, or other problems with the site.

Why #LibrariesResist?

We consider "#LibrariesResist" to be an an aspiration or a call to action, rather than a declarative statement of fact about what libraries do or do not do. Though we have organized our resources and conversations around this hashtag, taking inspiration from similar catchy hashtags arising from other communities, we know it is an imperfect label. There is no single, easy narrative about libraries, nor can we offer a single definition or recipe for "resistance."

First, libraries and library workers are not—and cannot be—politically neutral, though some may insist otherwise. At the same time, neither are libraries inherently progressive or radical institutions, nor are library workers superheroes. Indeed, libraries and library workers can, and do, cause and perpetuate both individual and systemic harms—sometimes despite good intentions, and sometimes by design. We also can, and do, work to address or oppose those harms—sometimes despite lack of resources, training, or support, or even the face of active opposition or hostility in our institutional contexts.

#LibrariesResist came to being in the aftermath of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, driven in part by library workers who felt newly propelled to greater levels of political engagement, on behalf of communities made more vulnerable by the policies, rhetoric, and crises of recent years, or in defense of causes or values that seemed to be under increased scrutiny or threat. But these concerns and threats were decidedly not new in 2016, and many other library workers had already been doing serious work to support marginalized communities well before then, only to find their work newly "politicized" or re-characterized as "resistance." Meanwhile, these concerns did not magically go away with the change of presidential administration in 2021. There is still plenty to "resist" even as our awareness shifts and our strategies evolve.

So, #LibrariesResist is not seeking to reinvent the wheel, but to be an entry point or bridge between new activists and established efforts. By “signal boosting” those existing efforts and resources, we hope to encourage others to join and support them. In turn, we believe that the example set by those already doing this work can provide inspiration, precedent, and solidarity for library workers seeking more support or leverage within their institutions to try a new program, implement a new policy, or speak up for change. 

We also acknowledge that just as there are many things to be "resisted," there are many ways to resist, which taken on their own may seem insufficient or even incompatible with each other. Of course in isolation, activities like writing a resource list, or changing a subject heading, or hanging a poster won’t save the world. But that doesn't mean these efforts are futile. Rather, drawing on our own diverse skills and resources, and finding affinity with other ongoing efforts among archivists, museum professionals, creators, educators, journalists, and activists, we believe that these smaller, individual efforts can contribute greater momentum to bigger, systemic changes.

We believe there is always room for growth and improvement, and we seek to hold our professional institutions, organizations, publications, and leaders accountable to their members and declared missions. This is a tall order, but at the least, we believe it is often possible to both celebrate them when they succeed, and to urge them to do better where they have failed.

We also continue to reflect on the history of our professions, and on our own ongoing work and purpose, and are committed to learning and challenging ourselves and each other, and growing together with our community. We continue to update this site in response to emerging concerns, new resources, and lessons learned, and invite your participation in this process.

Press and Publicity

Disclaimer

These resources are compiled for informational purposes and do not constitute an endorsement or an approval of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporations, organizations, or individuals represented. No compensation was received in exchange for linking. We prioritize open access resources and will attempt to indicate if a resource requires payment or subscriptions.

The compilers disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy, currency, legality, content, or privacy practices of the external sites or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content and practices.