Overview

Women constitute 75% of library and information workers and yet their achievements and contributions to the LIS sector are often unspoken, overlooked and undervalued in every sense. This agenda setting book - the first of its kind in the UK - combines case studies from libraries of all sectors to illuminate the feminism-infused principles and practices that shape the profession. With powerful, thought-provoking contributions from more than twenty feminist thought leaders and librarians, the book articulates the strong link between libraries and female empowerment, evidencing the case that investment in libraries is an investment in women. Chapters include: how libraries can catalyse women’s creativity menstrual literacy in bloody brilliant libraries intentionally inclusive practices in a feminist library partnership attachment theory, feminist practice and giving girls what they need to thrive eco-feminism and sustainable libraries. At once a reappraisal of the centrality of women within libraries and a call to arms for their acknowledgement, this is an urgent, inspiring and essential book for all LIS professionals.

Full Product Details

9781783308033

Table of Contents

Reviews

There is a paucity of writing about women in libraries. Kirsten’s book goes to the heart of our values and to the feminist ethics of care. It explores our herstory and speaks to why we do what we do, debunking stereotypes and questioning the visibility and perceived worth of women as librarians and as library users, as donors and as authors. This is a bold book, shouting for recognition of all that women bring to our wonderful profession and to the challenges we still face, while advocating for a radically transformed future. -- Kate Robinson, University Librarian, University of Bath and Chair of Trustees, CILIP Librarianship is predominantly women’s work, with all the potential, and social value that this can entail. Yet in the context of the backlash against equality, diversity and inclusion legislation, it is also a reminder of the under-recognition and disrespect of female dominated occupations. This book is a very timely reminder of the joyous possibilities of reading and women’s achievements. This amazing collection reminded me of my love of reading and the strength of women, and made me feel at home. -- Vanessa Beck, Professor in Employment Studies at the University of Bristol and avid reader

There is a paucity of writing about women in libraries. Kirsten’s book goes to the heart of our values and to the feminist ethics of care. It explores our herstory and speaks to why we do what we do, debunking stereotypes and questioning the visibility and perceived worth of women as librarians and as library users, as donors and as authors. This is a bold book, shouting for recognition of all that women bring to our wonderful profession and to the challenges we still face, while advocating for a radically transformed future. -- Kate Robinson, University Librarian, University of Bath and Chair of Trustees, CILIP Librarianship is predominantly women’s work, with all the potential, and social value that this can entail. Yet in the context of the backlash against equality, diversity and inclusion legislation, it is also a reminder of the under-recognition and disrespect of female dominated occupations. This book is a very timely reminder of the joyous possibilities of reading and women’s achievements. This amazing collection reminded me of my love of reading and the strength of women, and made me feel at home. -- Vanessa Beck, Professor in Employment Studies at the University of Bristol and avid reader Feminist Librarianship is a tour de force and a call to arms for our profession. I read this manuscript long into the night and it has stayed with me. Delving into the history of women’s librarianship and reading, then showcasing the incredible work going on in Scotland at the moment, including a wonderful day in the life of, it has something for everyone. My personal highlight was Chapter 5. We all need a bit of Swiftie in our lives. -- Lisa McLaren, Head of Library and Archives Service, University of Westminster

Author Information

Kirsten MacQuarrie is Sector Development Manager at CILIP Scotland, developing CPD opportunities and advocating for over 1000 members across Scotland and beyond. In November 2021, Kirsten founded Winspiration, CILIP Scotland’s ongoing programme of feminist events, interventions and provocations for library professionals. Amongst other achievements, Winspiration has highlighted the hidden herstories of iconic LIS women like decolonising cataloguer Dorothy Porter and, through the #NotOurJob campaign, made CILIPS the first professional association in Europe to take a public stand against sexual harassment in libraries. Kirsten was honoured to appear on the CILIP125 list, which marked the 125th anniversary of CILIP's Royal Charter by highlighting a new generation of librarians, information and knowledge management professionals who drive positive change, make a difference and have an impact across all sectors. She is an author and a chartered librarian whose debut novel Remember the Rowan (Ringwood, 2024) was a finalist for The People's Book Prize and is currently longlisted for The Highland Book Prize. Kirsten's writing has been published by New Writing Scotland, the Scottish Poetry Library, Gutter Magazine, Scottish PEN, the Women's History Network and others, and she has been shortlisted for a Vogue Magazine Young Talent Award, selected as an Editor's Choice for the John Byrne Award and twice winner of the Glasgow Women's Library Poetry Prize.

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