Social Justice and Cultural Competency: Essential Readings for School Librarians

Published in partnership with the International Association of School Librarianship, this work gathers together the latest and most important research on the topics of social justice and cultural competency in school libraries.

Education systems today are expected to advance national goals related to fairness, equity, and social cohesion. Comprising articles written and collected in the journal of the International Association of School Librarianship and new articles written especially for this anthology, this book documents both empirical research and promising practices to help school librarians and teachers work together to promote social justice and develop learners’ and educators’ cultural competence.

Both coeditors are experienced in working with authors from around the world and have participated in the development of standards and guidelines for school library practitioners that are effective and ethical. Brief real life case studies of school librarians and teachers in action showcase efforts to improve the lives of marginalized or under-served students. School librarians inside and outside of the United States, school library educators and policymakers, and academic librarians building school librarianship collections will find this guide valuable.

Includes evidence-based approaches to dealing with challenges to the educational and moral purposes of schools

Features fresh perspectives on shared concerns from colleagues

Provides access to research and promising practices