The ALISE 2016 Conference theme of “Radical Change: Inclusion and Innovation” celebrates the far reaching impact of Eliza T. Dresang’s work. The conference welcomes contributions that explore inclusive practices and innovative strategies in teaching and research, with special interest for Cultural Diversity, Digital Societies, Intellectual Freedom, Social Justice and International Resources.
Our logo for the conference is the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly. This is a great symbol of radical change and transformation. Although the caterpillar and the butterfly exist in the same environment, each has its own perception and understanding of the world. As the caterpillar prepares for transformation, it must build the chrysalis, which acts as protection and change agent. When the radical change is completed, the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis into a new world, one of amazing potential and opportunity. The radical transformation and change allows the caterpillar to move beyond its small environment as a beautiful butterfly excited and ready to see and learn about its brave new world.
This paper is based on statistical analysis of library and information science (LIS) literature. Through searches in the Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA) database that cross-referenced commonly used identity terms (e.g., Gender, LGBT) with terms describing prominent areas in the LIS field, we collected quantitative data and visualized our results using Gephi and Tableau Public. Our visualizations show that general identity terms are common in the literature, while discussion of particular identities is scarce. Using critical approaches to LIS, we explore the ramifications of silences within LIS literature through the lenses of critical theory and queer theory.
