Do you ever wonder how other libraries deal with controversial, evolving, and sometimes shocking issues in library operations? This program will engage in a discussion on the complexities, trends, and bold and innovative ideas for managing physical library spaces, fostering inclusivity, and balancing access with safety such as:

• Creating a safe space, despite different political ideological pressures from students and administration, as well as historical legacies of exclusion
• Space allocation (ensuring safety and a sense of belonging without undermining inclusivity)
• Fines and fees on late or lost materials (restorative justice vs. ensuring the return of materials)
• Food and noise policies
• Inclusive bathroom policies
• Security: (mitigating risk vs. supporting access to information)
• Handling unexpected issues like protests, overcrowding, or maintenance emergencies, and more.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

The intended audience for this program includes administrators, managers, and librarians interested in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in library operations and physical spaces who are working in law school libraries and other institutions opened to the public.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Program participants will be able to identify six hot topics in library operations that library administrators and managers are currently grappling with, and will be able to discuss why the topics are not so easily resolved and why decisions might be considered controversial.
2. Participants will have the opportunity to compare the different approaches taken in response to controversial and hot topics, with other program attendees and leaders in law libraries.
3. Participants will be able anticipate and proactively develop inclusive and responsive policies to several hot topics in library operations using the practices and solutions used by other law libraries.

SPEAKERS:

• Kristina J. Alayan, University of Maryland - Francis King Carey School of Law
• Kim Nayyer, Cornell Law School and Cornell University Library
• Kris Turner, University of Wisconsin Law Library

COORDINATOR:

• Brittany Persson, Brooklyn Law School

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Professionalism + Leadership At Every Level, Management + Business Acumen

 

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES:

No refunds will be given for any purchased AALL conference recording. This applies to non-AALL members only as the recordings are free for AALL members.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.