Providing robust readers’ advisory service that values equity, diversity, and inclusion principles is essential to all library service. Moving from being a neutral, well-meaning library where systemic racism is acknowledged to an actively anti-racist organization involves work.

In this program you will learn tangible skills to help build enthusiasm for reading and discovering diverse books, begin to deepen RA service through thoughtful inclusion of EDI principles in all interactions with leisure readers, and develop the skills necessary to be a steward of an anti-racist mindset for your organization.

In Part 2, readers’ advisory expert Becky Spratford will outline ways to approach readers’ advisory so that the discovery and circulation of titles written by marginalized voices in all libraries is not treated as a trend, but as a requirement.

Becky Spratford, MLIS, is a Readers’ Advisor in Illinois specializing in serving patrons ages 13 and up. She trains library staff all over the world on how to match books with readers through the local public library. She runs the critically acclaimed RA training blog RA for All. She is under contract to provide content for EBSCO’s NoveList database and writes reviews for Booklist and a horror review column for Library Journal. Becky is a 20-year locally elected Library Trustee (still serving) and a Board member for the Reaching Across Illinois Library System. Known for her work with horror readers, Becky is the author of The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Horror, Third Edition (ALA Editions, 2021). She is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association and currently serves as the Association’s Secretary and organizer of their annual Librarians’ Day. You can follow Becky on Twitter @RAforAll.

Register @ METRO