Call for Chapter Proposals
We are seeking chapter proposals for an edited volume published by Rowman & Littlefield. The chapters will be peer reviewed and publication date is tentatively expected for Spring 2027.
Working Title: Pathways for Change: Strategic Programs for Cultivating Diversity in the Library Workforce
Abstract submission deadline: May 9, 2025
Editors:
Tammie Busch, Elizabeth Kamper, Jacob Del Rio, and Lora Del Rio
Library & Information Services, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Book Description:
Pathways for Change: Strategic Programs for Cultivating Diversity in the Library Workforce provides a replicable and scalable set of tools and techniques for librarians to cultivate a diverse workforce of future librarians. This will allow readers to learn about partnerships between libraries and schools, and techniques for reaching out to underrepresented populations at a formative age.
According to a member survey conducted by the American Library Association in 2017, 86.7% of members identified as white. Despite our ongoing quest for diversity and a growing number of initiatives, literature, and conversations related to diversity, the demographics of the professional librarian population have not significantly changed. This book will begin with a narrative about an IMLS grant that funded the development of the Diverse Librarianship Career Training and Education (DLCTE) Program, which was a response to the lack of diversity in the field of librarianship. This book will serve as a call to action, giving large- and small-scale examples of initiatives designed to spread awareness about the field of librarianship and broadly impact the library workforce.
In addition to this narrative, this book will feature a collection of chapters or case studies, each exploring how a specific library has implemented a program or activity that strives to introduce librarianship to underrepresented populations. The book will empower current librarians to create library advocates by redefining and de-mystifying the profession and introducing them to modern practices in librarianship.
Sample chapters or case studies may include (but are not limited to):
Mentorship for underrepresented library staff/students/etc.
Library programming or events focusing on: Library career awareness, creating library advocates, etc.
Paid internships for either school age or post high school students
Recruitment or retention efforts for underrepresented library staff
Examples of failed projects, programs, etc. that provided learning opportunities to library faculty and/or staff
Professional development opportunities
Scholarships and student awards
Community partnerships to enhance library visibility and/or student involvement
Don’t see your topic/idea here? We encourage you to contact Elizabeth Kamper, co-editor, at ekamper@siue.edu to discuss how your idea may fit within this book’s scope.
Editors will be holding two 1-hour open sessions for folks interested in applying to ask questions, share ideas, and get feedback. These sessions are scheduled for:
Session 1: April 18 at 11am (Central)
Register here:
https://siue.zoom.us/meeting/register/2KmvNqZPQU2W3LKR0J3g_g
Session 2: April 21 at 1pm (Central)
Register here:
https://siue.zoom.us/meeting/register/jZg5oV74QImoRbufLiTV6Q
Session 3: April 30 at 3pm (Central)
Register here:
https://siue.zoom.us/meeting/register/zPK0SVZBTJ-NM0HAaeumbA
Tentative publication timeline:
Abstract submission deadline: May 9, 2025
Notification/feedback regarding submission: June 1, 2025
First drafts due: September 1, 2025
Second drafts with editor’s comments due: March 1, 2026
Peer-Review: March – June 2026
Final drafts with peer-review edits due: October 1, 2026
Tentative publication date: Spring 2027
Submission Process:
An email with an attached word document (.doc or .docx) is required for proposal submission. The document should be written in Calibri or Times New Roman, 12 pt., and include:
A working title
Names of all contributing authors & their respective institutions
Contact information for the primary author
Estimated final word count
A brief (350-500 word) description of your proposed chapter
Attach your chapter submission proposal to an email with the subject line: Chapter Proposal Submission_(PrimaryAuthor’sLastName)
And send to: ekamper@siue.edu
Proposals DUE: May 9, 2025
Questions?
Elizabeth Kamper, co-editor
ekamper@siue.edu