Narrative Expansions: Interpreting Decolonisation in Academic Libraries

The book Narrative Expansions: Interpreting Decolonisation in Academic Libraries explores how academic libraries are working to address the historic legacies of colonialism,in the context of decolonising the curriculum and the university. It acknowledges and explores the tensions and complexities around the use of the term decolonisation,how it relates to other social justice aims and approaches,including critical librarianship,and what makes this work specific to decolonisation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2021
Publisher: Facet Publishing

The demand to decolonise the curriculum has gained significant momentum, transitioning from a marginal protest movement to the forefront of numerous institutions. This transformation is evident in the inclusion of decolonisation in policies, strategies, and numerous initiatives within libraries and archives, actively responding to the call for change. These institutions are critically examining their own historic legacies and practices to support institutional and societal transformation.

Narrative Expansions: Interpreting Decolonisation in Academic Libraries delves into the ways in which academic libraries are actively engaged in addressing the legacies of colonialism within the context of decolonising the curriculum and the university. It recognises and explores the complexities surrounding the term decolonisation, its relationship to other social justice aims and approaches, such as critical librarianship, and what sets this work apart in the realm of decolonisation.

This book possesses an international outlook, considering the contextual nature of decolonisation. It features contributions from authors based in Canada, the United States, and Kenya, as well as institutions such as the British Library in the UK. The book is divided into two sections, the first of which explores experiential contexts, examining the environment in which academic libraries operate. This includes legacy knowledge systems, the neo-liberal university, the pervasive Whiteness of the higher education sector, and the global publishing industry. By analysing how these structures perpetuate coloniality, the book identifies opportunities for challenge and transformation.

The second section of the book brings together theory and practice, featuring case studies that interpret what it means to decolonise information literacy, collection management, inclusive spaces, LIS education, research methods, and knowledge production through the lens of critical pedagogy. These case studies provide valuable insights into the practical applications of decolonisation in academic libraries, highlighting the need for ongoing reflection, dialogue, and action to dismantle the oppressive structures of colonialism and promote a more equitable and inclusive academic environment.

In conclusion, Narrative Expansions: Interpreting Decolonisation in Academic Libraries serves as a valuable resource for librarians, educators, educators, and scholars seeking to understand and engage with the complex issues surrounding decolonisation in academic libraries. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical legacies of colonialism, the challenges and complexities involved in decolonising the curriculum and the university, and provides practical insights into the ways in which academic libraries can contribute to institutional and societal change. By embracing decolonisation as an ongoing process, academic libraries can play a vital role.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 153 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783304974