Distinguished Lecture – Mortenson Center for International Library Programs

34th Annual Mortenson Distinguished Lecture | 19 Sept 2024

“Reading as Belonging: Implications for Library and Information Practice,” by Nadia Caidi, Professor and Director of International Student Experience, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto

Thursday, 19 September 2024 | 3:30-5:00 pm CT Lecture :: 5:00-5:45 pm CT Reception in person to follow (Check for local time here: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/)

HYBRID: In person (School of Information Sciences building, Room 126, 501 E. Daniel St., Champaign) AND online

Register for the Lecture.

Related Events:

WORKSHOP on Arts-Based Knowledge Translation: Information (and Other) Professionals Supporting Communities Toward Action :: Sept 18, 2:30-4:30pm

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WORKSHOP on Arts-Based Knowledge Translation: Information (and Other) Professionals Supporting Communities Toward Action
Wednesday, September 18, 2024; 2:30-4:30pm | Location: School of Information Sciences, 614 E. Daniel St., Champaign, Room 4045

Co-facilitated by Nadia Caidi, Professor and Director of International Student Experience, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto AND Michelli Costa, Professor, Faculty of Information Science at the University of Brasilia

Abstract: Researchers in the information fields have traditionally produced and focused their efforts on published research and syntheses of research findings. While these mechanisms play an important role in the dissemination of knowledge, we argue that there is a need for knowledge translation and mobilization efforts and deliverables that can target a variety of key audiences, including through the arts. The aim of this interactive workshop is to share over two decades of community-engaged research, and the lessons learnt from the process of supporting and mobilizing communities, and producing different knowledge deliverables (including art-based ones, such as animated films or comics) for a range of publics. Together, we will reflect on the relevance and importance of art as a means of storytelling, how we might harness aesthetic and artistic tropes to engage audiences, challenge the intellect, and trigger an effective response. Knowledge brokering and translation provide a unique avenue for information professionals to engage in this type of information work thus fostering the kinds of connections we already value, alongside positive societal change.

Doctoral Students’ Meet & Greet with Dr. Nadia Caidi. Wednesday, September 18; 1-2 pm. Location: School of Information Sciences, 614 E. Daniel St., Champaign, Room 4045

Postcard: PDF | Front-jpg/Back-jpg. Digital Sign (1819x950px): jpg | png. Digital Sign (1920x1080px): jpg | png.

ABSTRACT

In this Lecture, I want to challenge us to think about the extent to which our library and information field is truly moving the dial on today’s pressing societal challenges. Are we really equipping our students and staff with the skills and mindset they need to work meaningfully with communities, to practice an ethics of care towards the most marginalized, to take responsibility for our collective future? We will do so by examining the example of migration and belonging through the lens of heritage language and young people’s engagement with reading for pleasure. Despite playing a crucial role in communities as spaces of gathering, learning, memory and culture, libraries are also institutions that continue to be perceived and experienced as culturally and linguistically homogeneous. I argue that a systemic approach to understanding the issues of identity and heritage language loss can benefit librarians (and other actors) in supporting the youth’s intertwined identities as members of rich cultural, linguistic and reading communities. The Lecture presents a recent study of over 50 Canadian youth (aged between 13-18) who are members of the French official language minority community in Ontario, using a participatory approach that included 4 co-design workshops with youth, an 8-week reading diary activity, and interviews with key actors was devised. The findings open the way for critical discussions about the field and practice of librarianship, and about what we risk losing if we do not invest and lean on solidarity networks to sustain (or rebuild) our field’s societal trust and relevance.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Nadia Caidi is Professor and Director of International Student Experience at the Faculty of Information in the University of Toronto. She is a scholar of information (and) marginalization and the role that information resources, institutions, and technologies play in the everyday lives of individuals and communities in various states of transition. Her research has been conducted in the context of global migration, language communities in a minority context, techno-spiritual and religious practices, and diversity by design in the information fields. Read more at Profile page and Personal webpage.

CO-SPONSORED BY: Center for Global Studies – “This event was supported in part by grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Title VI grant program. The content of this event does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.” | Mortenson Center for International Library Programs | School of Information Sciences | University of Illinois Library Urbana-Champaign

The Lecture celebrates Libraries for Peace (L4P) Day, in observation of International Day of Peace with the world community. The theme for the International Day of Peace in 2024 is “Cultivating a Culture of Peace”.

Join the UN to mark the 25th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

A Welcoming Week event

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“Meet Your Neighbors: A Human Library Event | 14 Sept 2024

Date & Time:

Saturday September 14 -3:30-5:30PM

Venue:

The Urbana Free Library, Room-Busey-Mills & MacFarlane-Hood

210 West Green Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801

Description: Inspired by the Human Library®, the event features area neighbors who moved here from other countries and celebrates the diverse origins of everyone in our community!

Each station will feature a neighbor from a specific country where you can learn about different aspects of that country, such as culture, language, and cuisine, or ask other questions! Open to ALL ages!

Ten countries will be featured : Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Congo, Guatemala Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Africa, South Korea and Yemen. In keeping with the mission of the Mortenson Center, the event aims to introduce the concept of “internationalization @ home to the University of Illinois community and to foster intercultural competency and global understanding as well as welcome newcomers to the community while embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging.

Sponsored by the Urbana Free Library, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs and Illinois International: Office of Global Relations as part of the National Welcoming Week.