NAHSL: News

Katie Kidwell: Stronger Together: Reflections on the MLA Annual Meeting

Greetings to NAHSL Nation!

First and foremost, I want to thank NAHLS for the generous scholarship, which allowed me to attend my first MLA conference. The day before I flew to Portland, I graduated with my MS/LIS. Being able to present a poster on collecting well-rounded feedback from the library service desk (co-authored with the incredible Katherine Morley Eramo, who was unable to attend) at MLA after this achievement was a real dream!

While MLA had a lot of incredible posters, papers, and lightning talks, I appreciated the chance to dive deep into one topic at the session called “Lessons in Slow Librarianship: Making Room for Thought, Intention, and Kindness” presented by Jill Deaver and Lorin Jackson. Slow librarianship is the practice of focusing “on learning and reflection, collaboration and solidarity, valuing all kinds of contributions, and supporting staff as whole people” (Farkas, 2021). The session started with Jill and Lorin interviewing each other about slow librarianship, how it works in management, how it impacts showing up, and how to balance it with efficiency. Next, attendees had a chance to ask questions and share perspectives before breaking into groups to discuss a case study. At the end, each group shared takeaways. I valued the variety of ways that information was shared, whether in an interview, large or small group discussion, or tips for practical application. Additionally, handouts and a padlet were provided, as well as a podcast episode on slow librarianship with Mira Farkas facilitated by Lorin and Jill.

The discussion was rich. Working to establish trust, agreeing to core values, and being clear in communication are essential to slow librarianship; clarity is kindness. This is intentional work that requires investment, acknowledgment, and reflection. Work has greater value when it comes from a place of meaning rather than a place of fear. Slow librarian is a team sport invested in systemic change and community care, not simply self-care. As a new librarian, it was refreshing to hear a room full of professionals agree that anyone has the opportunity to lead from where they are, showing compassion and support for themselves and their colleagues. Standing in direct opposition to hustle culture and neoliberal values, slow librarianship really spoke to me as someone who left a previous career in part due to the intense burnout and disregard for the whole person. As I transition to full-time librarianship, I anticipate I will hold onto these concepts as I think about how I show up at work for my teammates and myself.

Again, I feel so grateful for the chance to learn about the field, build connections with colleagues old and new, and grow as I embark on a career in health sciences librarianship – I’m approaching this next journey full of enthusiasm. Thank you so much, NAHSL!

Katie Kidwell (she/her)

Former Library Assistant Manager at Hirsh Health Sciences Library at Tufts University

Soon-to-be National Library of Medicine Associate Fellow 2024-2025