What is ‘library curriculum’? Why do we need it?
Free Libraries Network is driven by the belief that libraries are a fundamental institution in a democracy and thus every individual has the right to have access to libraries and to read. By creating access to books, reading and information for all, and especially in communities and among people where historically there has been none, libraries can serve as spaces for education and culture, to seek information and ask questions, to socialise and learn about diverse life experiences and choices, to read stories about one’s life and explore the meaning of world, and for leisure. This challenges the oppressive socio-political structures based on caste, religion, gender, language, disability etc that have excluded people from aforementioned activities/practices, and creates possibilities for a more just and equal society.
FLN’s library curriculum is systematically planned programs, activities and practices within the framework of justice and anti-oppression, with the aim to create access to books, literature and reading for all, especially those historically excluded/marginalised, through participation, dialogue and ownership.
Mission
- To create within FLN and beyond, a discourse on library curriculum aligned with anti-caste, feminist, anti-ableism, anti-hate and anti-oppression politics.
- To identify individuals/organisations within FLN that could take bigger roles within the curriculum & research department of FLN.
- Develop capacities among FLN organisations who show interest, commitment and action, for curriculum development, implementation, documentation and dissemination.
- Decentralize the process of curriculum development, with FLN as advisors and repository of library curriculum work across FLN.
- Documentation of curricular, research and advocacy/movement work.
- Development of manuals or handbooks on library best practices and curriculum.
Crowdsourced, Open-Access Curriculum Resources: Free Libraries Network FLN is committed to advocating for and creating resources to promote free libraries for all. As part of these efforts, it aims to showcase models of library curriculum which are put into practice across all FLN member-libraries, which provide members with reading programs, curated book collections, inclusivity practices, information services and more.
FLN recognizes the need to acknowledge the innovative ways in which grassroots practitioners are meeting the knowledge & information needs of their communities, often against tremendous paucity of resources and formal education in librarianship.
FLN also feels the urgency to document curriculum & standards that prove the success of a free library that charges zero membership fee yet provides excellent services & programs, and which remains resolutely anti-caste, gender & disability inclusive, inclusive of all religions, socio-economic backgrounds and locations.
Reading-For-All
Reading Programs for Libraries: Read Aloud, Fluency & Numeracy, Early/Adult Learning etc.
Lesson Plans
Research Resources: FLN & External research resources
Information-For-All
Library As An Information Hub
Digital Access, Literacy & Safety
Library Best Practices
All Are Welcome: Admission, Orientation, Inclusion, Safety & More
Curation
Cataloguing, Documentation & More
Organizing Library Spaces
Community Engagement & Ownership
Invitation to Community
Library Leadership Development
Responding To Community
For more information email us here : flnlibrarycurriculum@gmail.com