#metoo & medlibs: how to start conversations about sexual harassment in your library
Abstract
Presented at the 2019 Medical Library Association Conference.
Background
The #metoo movement has facilitated national conversations about sexual violence, including workplace sexual harassment. Although anecdotal evidence suggests that many library workers experience sexual harassment, no comprehensive studies exist and no professional guidelines or recommendations are available for those interested in creating change in their libraries. How do we begin these conversations in our profession and our libraries?
Description
This talk will describe several recommendations for starting the process of addressing sexual harassment in your library. These recommendations are based on recent work done by the Sexual Harassment Task Force at UCSF Library, including a library-wide survey to explore staff experiences of sexual harassment and educational efforts based on these survey results.
Conclusions
The purpose of this talk is to empower library workers to start conversations about sexual harassment in their libraries.
At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
1. Describe key considerations for beginning the process of addressing sexual harassment in your library environment.
2. Recognize challenges library workers face in starting conversations about sexual harassment in their libraries.
3. Design a plan for starting conversations about sexual harassment in your library.