Do you view libraries, archives, museums, and galleries through a lens of them being a leading force in social justice, activism, and community organizing? Then you may be interested in attending the Allied Media Conference (AMC) which takes place June 14-17, 2018 in Detroit. The AMC brings together themed conference tracks comprised of sessions that are all connected by the concept of media-b
ased organizing, “or any collaborative process that uses media, art or technology to address the roots of problems and advance holistic solutions towards a more just and creative world.” This year, the Radical Libraries, Archives, and Museums track will return to Allied Media Conference and aims to share more ideas and skills while allowing individuals working in these fields to make connections and support each other in their work.
The goal of the Radical Libraries, Archives, and Museums track (RadLAM) is to provide a space for attendees to examine how we can challenge the traditional image of libraries, archives, museums, and galleries and use these spaces and the programs/services they provide to support social justice work, empower the public, amplify marginalized voices, and build a better world. Session types range from hands-on workshops with tangible skill building to panel discussions as collective strategy sessions to improve our institutions. All are focused on ways that we can work to empower our communities and continue creative and innovative work. This will be the fourth year that the Radical Libraries, Archives, and Museums track (previously Radical Librarianship track) returns to AMC. You can view examples of sessions from previous years here.
The call for proposals is currently open and we would love to hear from you! We welcome all experience levels including youth, students, and individuals new in their careers. We welcome proposals for sessions that will be accessible to participants of all professional backgrounds and will interpret the work of libraries, archives, and museums through the lens of media-based organizing. The deadline to submit proposals is March 16th. The Allied Media Conference also has some other great tracks, network gatherings (day-long preconference events), and practice spaces (hands-on creative spaces) that may appeal to YALSA members and the populations we serve. So definitely think about submitting a proposal, attending the conference or both this summer.
Veronica Leigh Milliner is the Community Engagement Coordinator at the National Network of Libraries of Medicine- Middle Atlantic Region based in Pittsburgh, PA. She is also on the coordinating team for the Radical Libraries, Archives, and Museums track of Allied Media Conference 2018. She can be reached at vmilliner@gmail.com with any questions.
