Cultural Humility

Cultural Humility is a special report published by the American Library Association. The authors define cultural humility as “an approach to [diversity, equity, and inclusion] work that involves an awareness of commitment redressing power imbalances, practice honest nondefensive self-reflection, orientation toward other person accepts appreciates their perspective on how important culture identities are in any given context interaction” (p. 2). concept was originally coined medical doctors educators Melanie Tervalon Jann Murray-Garcia has since been adapted for use library field professions. authors' goal readers gain understanding humility, it can be applied delivery services, integrated into wider organizational culture.The organized chapters provide in-depth introduction definition, practice, application multitude levels, ranging from individual institutional. Each chapter includes examples personal professional experiences illustrate adopted day-to-day practice. begins with preface unpacks departure offers traditional diversity training. propose useful pertinent libraries trying increase diversity, inclusion within organizations. report's identifies why there need libraries, highlighting discriminatory practices Black, Indigenous, people color (BIPOC) workers often encounter. Although emphasize everyone, no matter background, embrace prevailing whiteness profession underlies those who occupy dominant viewpoints understand limitations own perspectives.In spirit highlight positionalities experiences, weaving narratives growth report. Sarah R. Kostelecky (Zuni Pueblo), director Digital Initiatives Scholarly Communication University New Mexico Libraries, reflects her lived experience mixed Native woman background working Indigenous Nations Program Institute Indian Arts. Lori Townsend (Shoshone-Paiute) learning services coordinator social sciences librarian Libraries. In research, she focuses threshold concepts (i.e., that, once understood, change way thinks about topic), information literacy, source evaluation, genre theory. David Hurley discovery web his positionality white man invisible him when he growing up—until confronted perspective. His continually impacts user work, reference literacy.This explicit disclosure backgrounds active “objective” third-person voice proliferates diversity-related literature. value humility—that is, emphasis our not universal—is quality makes particularly adapt archives setting. second chapter, make connection ability see outside one's integral creating structures policies designed broad scope people. As note, “if we beyond world, will less likely create structural inequities, more recognize already exist, defensive ones didn't notice pointed out us” 6).The third survey relation approaches discussing including competence critical race theory (CRT). do this critique different but rather show build off principles. When they introduce CRT, example, acknowledge able overview report; instead, few key ideas CRT foundational humility. This intersectionality, which presents “model multiple facets identity interplay, unique forms discrimination or oppression” 9). Like intersectionality highlights multifaceted aspects other's identities. thus provides insights concert expand deepen reduce harm interactions others.Subsequent dig definitions identify components practicing theory, such imbalances. means acknowledging actively challenging presence exist workplace users. present process fundamentally action oriented. Redressing imbalances something done passively—it takes concerted, continual effort. give example collection development taking initiative seek materials available through usual vendors. may disrupt normal ordering workflow, necessary step bring voices collection.The equally definable end goal, stems idea possible become “competent” another's culture. “it impossible really know either person's full your interaction them. . What sit unknowing, limits knowledge, still move forward maintain relationships needed change” 16). self-assessment deeply aligned guiding principles archivists outlined Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), states should centered access information.1This posits learn-by-doing process, expectation developing linear journey. So, does one actually develop humility? offer three components: 1) don't defensive; 2) perspectives; 3) self-reflection. While these integrate level, also apply them at institutional level. believe organizations foster supportive environment individuals encouraged However, challenges structures—specifically workshops educational consciousness-raising initiatives. efforts certainly opportunities, prove harmful BIPOC staff marginalized if led structured correctly. necessarily suggest abandoning altogether, call leadership commit “deep listening reflection without defensiveness” 29). Importantly, adopting uphold contribute whiteness. If where perspectives norm, its impact diminished. Fundamentally, works decenter Those profession, especially positions, must remain aware negative potential discussions reinforce whiteness.Progress made both levels tenant put practice: redress decentering professionals bristle suggestion—why would continuously further humble themselves? answer question great deal nuance, ultimately reinforcing preclude anybody having pride have individuals.The last reflect journeys parallels found cultures—particularly lifelong continuous learning, individual, accepting inevitability gaps knowledge understanding.The conclusion reiterates fundamental tenet echoed throughout report: central positive resist helpful closing note despite best energies implement choose join us, “we find partners, leaving door open learn grow” 39). stance leaves room essential component experiencing joy diverse us. Given defeating, uphill battle implementing frameworks perspectives, I endnote importance.As someone advocated implementation archives, specifically reparative archival description practices, illustrative thorough speaks general audience than archivists, many takeaways community. keys resonate faced while advocating frameworks: defensive, my language remediation, reexamining descriptive pushing “slow archives”2 greatly benefited exhibited varying degrees resistance. There universal positions community engage ensuring only involved decision-making. On following essential, engaging colleague advocate myself others lesser power.Cultural extensive framework truly values prioritizes inclusion, access, committing offered instrumental first step.