Disability justice is a framework that examines disability and ableism as it relates to other forms of oppression and identity. It’s a framework that is inherently important to libraries, who engage with communities and promote inclusivity. Before I go on, I want to define two terms. Firstly, ableism is defined by Talia Lewis as a … Continue reading Disability Justice is a form of disruption that libraries need
Creating connections is important in establishing a resilient career. This can, however, present a bit of a challenge if you’re an awkward, anxious and shy introvert like me. However, in my four years in the library and information profession I’ve learned it’s possible to create connections in a way that’s natural and authentic to my … Continue reading How to create connections as an awkward, introverted new librarian
My sense of passing time is now sharper, courtesy of quarantined life. When I go for my walks at dusk, I want to drink every second down, paint every colour of the sunset with my hands and keep the cold air on my skin. It’s a weird feeling – wanting to slow time, to replay … Continue reading Savouring stillness and slowness
It may not be obvious from my name, but I am partly Nordic. I carry the rounded face and petite stature of the partial Finn I am. Sometimes I think about my maternal line and the land of a thousand lakes – a country I’ve never been to. A country renowned for so many good … Continue reading Searching for Sisu and improving wellbeing, the Finnish way
In the last two months, I’ve been in hospital more times than I have in years and during my hospital stays I’ve been thinking a lot about health services, libraries and other services that are trauma-informed; and how important being trauma-informed as a professional and member of society truly is. ‘Trauma’ is defined as an … Continue reading Hospitals, libraries, PTSD and the importance of being trauma-informed
The secret is I’m struggling. I went to my GP a few weeks ago and said, “I’m not doing okay. I think I need help.” Of all the things I’ve accomplished this year, I’m proud of this moment the most. The secret of struggling is that it’s not independent. For me it’s been an accumulation … Continue reading The secret of struggling
This is the final part of my blog series, following my presentation at the 9th New Librarians’ Symposium ‘Deviating with Diversity, innovating with inclusion: a call for radical activism in libraries’. In my presentation, I acknowledged that we all have the ability to inspire change, take action and be leaders of inclusion. Inclusive leadership begins … Continue reading 10 traits of being an inclusive professional
