Representation in the Library of Congress Collections: Complicating the Narrative

***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***

The historical record is often skewed towards the story told by those in power, but primary sources created by marginalized voices hold their own power to challenge and complicate these dominant narratives. The Library of Congress (LOC) preserves and elevates stories contained in primary sources from marginalized voices through exhibitions and collections.

In this on-demand webinar, Library of Congress staff introduce you to the LOC’s online exhibitions that challenge common narratives. They help librarians bring a variety of materials to kids and teens, sparking curiosity, supporting inquiry, and engaging them in real world learning. Learn about activities, displays, and programs that draw in young audiences; and to apply strategies that help their communities think more deeply about the way primary sources, including those from local archives and collections, complicate familiar narratives. The instructors provide an overview of a variety of collections and techniques with specific examples centered around the online exhibition, “Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words.”

Originally presented December 9, 2020.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Learn strategies for locating, identifying, and using resources in LOC online exhibitions that elevate marginalized voices;
• Evaluate techniques for constructing activities, displays, and programs on-site and online to engage families, kids, and teens; and
• Apply historical thinking to primary sources from local and national collections to empower patrons to see beyond a single narrative.

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is intended for all public library staff—especially those who work with families, children, and teens—with no previous knowledge of the topic.

Panelists

Sasha Dowdy was born in Russia and raised in Japan, and became a librarian after working as a translator, interpreter, and Japanese language teacher. She has a BA in Japanese and an MLS from the University of Maryland. She worked as an intern in the Library of Congress Young Readers Center before getting a permanent position as program specialist in 2016. Sasha is passionate about helping kids and teens find something in the Library of Congress that connects to their lives and sparks their curiosity.

Cheryl Lederle has worked as an educational resources specialist at the Library of Congress since December of 2003. She has also played a significant role in shaping the Library's online repository of classroom materials and resources for teachers (https://www.loc.gov/teachers) and continues to contribute to the development of those materials. Cheryl holds a BA from Kent State University, an MAT from the University of Chicago, and an MLIS from Syracuse University. She has fifteen years' experience teaching English at both the high school and community college levels.

Important Registration Information

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Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.

Contact

This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).