Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: online via Zoom
Facilitators: Maggie Leung, Dominican University, and Carida Ridoré, Valley Cottage Library
Topic: “The Myth of Professionalism”

This month, the Reference SIG will follow up their discussion from last time and delve into the topic of what it means to be a “professional” in the library workplace. We will talk about both spoken and unspoken practices that could be the cause unforeseen problems for you or your colleagues. With that in mind, we’re joining forces with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion SIG for this special crossover event!

Much of our conversation will be based on Chapter 6 of the book A Library Worker’s Guide to Saying No to White Supremacy Work Culture by Christina Fuller-Gregory. The readings will be sent to participants in advance of the meeting.

The Reference Special Interest Group is open to library workers who provide reference services or want to learn more about it. The group is not limited by library type and comprises academic, special, public, school, and hospital library staff. You do not need to be a degree-holding librarian to attend. The facilitator will bring an agenda, and attendees are welcome to share their thoughts, ideas, experiences, and questions.