Preconference

Diverse STEM Reading: A Layercake of Problems :-/

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Abstract

As librarians we are frequently asked “How do I find books by trans scientists?” or “How do I research what it’s like to be a Black engineer?” but while there is increasing interest in these types of works they remain difficult to find, recommend, and purchase. This is frustrating for educators and librarians, but especially for readers who want to see diverse experiences and cultures reflected in media and education. The truth is that not all experiences are captured in “literature.” Marginalized populations face barriers—in education, in careers, in publishing—limiting the number of formal accounts of their lives in “academic media”. Songs, videos, blogs, documentaries, self-published memoirs, etc. are all valid forms of personal expression and experience, so why are they not valued and included in STEM? In this session, we’ll discuss systemic participation and inclusion barriers marginalized groups face and ways we can fight this pattern in the classroom, the library, and beyond. This presentation will be of value to educators hoping to diversify and expand “reading” lists and students researching these topics.