Using Courage to Confront Bias
July 22, 2021 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT
Session Slides (PDF)
- Video 1 – LISTEN: How Do You Respond to Microaggressions?
- Video 2 – Asking about Pronouns at Work
- Video 3 – Correcting Insensitive Language
- Video 4 – Giving Space
- Video 5 – Example of Microaggression Toward Natural Hair
Bias is a natural part of the human condition and comes into play in many of our decisions and interactions. We have all experienced bias either personally or directed at others. Responding to bias takes courage. Developing a framework can help us make informed decisions on how to proceed or not. Courage is hard and goes against many of our survival instincts. It can feel risky. But it is how we can positively affect ourselves, our teams, our patrons, our communities, and our libraries. We’ll also explore how to take a stand in a way that is objective, factual, and affirming.
About the presenters
Jean Heilig has been with the Colorado State Library since 2005 and is currently the Fiscal Officer and LSTA Grant Coordinator. Previously, she was Senior Director of Jones e-global library at JonesKnowledge.com where she developed an online academic library. She also held the title of Library Director for Jones International University. She spent four years as a Public Services Librarian in the Helen Fowler Library at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She earned her MLIS from the University of Denver and her MBA from the University of Colorado Denver campus.
Beth Christ
Beth Crist is the Youth & Family Services Consultant for the Colorado State Library. She is passionate about equitable library service (ask me about eliminating overdue fines!), encouraging people to spend more time outside, and supporting all family members at the same time.