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The Charleston Conference is an informal annual gathering of librarians, publishers, electronic resource managers, consultants, and vendors of library materials in Charleston, SC, in November, to discuss issues of importance to them all. It is designed to be a collegial gathering of individuals from different areas who discuss the same issues in a nonthreatening, friendly, and highly informal environment. Presidents of companies discuss and debate with library directors, acquisitions librarians, reference librarians, serials librarians, collection development librarians, and many, many others. Begun in 1980, the Charleston Conference has grown from 20 participants in 1980 to almost 2,000 in 2017. From the librarian of a small library to the CEO of a major corporation, they all stand and make their voices heard. The tone is casual, the talk irreverent, and the answers are far from simple. But together, we can find solutions. In this annual volume we have collected many key issues that were discussed in 2018.

TESTIMONIALS
 
“The best library gathering around. I look forward to it.”
 
“The Charleston Conference is an incredibly stimulating venue. I am tired afterwards, but get so many great ideas, network with my colleagues, and learn what is going on. I recommend it highly.”
 
“Charleston is the only conference that is worth attending.”
 
https://www.charlestonlibraryconference.com/about/

In today’s polarized landscape, libraries face two key challenges: the difficulty of turning raw data into narratives that effectively advocate for libraries, and the ethical complexities of representing communities in these stories. McDowell’s vital toolkit empowers librarians and information professionals to transform data into ethical, compelling narratives that connect with communities and advocate for their organizations. This book teaches both the practicalities of data storytelling and introduces critical approaches that ensure stories are inclusive, socially just, and impactful. Readers will find the book essential for communicating library value to help secure funding, resources, and community support. Applying theory to real-world scenarios, chapters cover

• the dynamic interrelationships between storyteller, audience, and story which lie at the heart of storytelling;
• ways to mesh library data collection processes with long-term storytelling potential, prioritizing interaction over transaction;
• three time-honored and effective narrative strategies for organizing the informational and emotional content of library data stories, easily adaptable for any situation;
• approaches for emphasizing inclusivity and justice to ensure that library advocates can tell stories that challenge stereotypes, promote equity, and align their efforts with broader ethical and social goals;
• audience attitudes as challenges and opportunities for library data communication; and
• strategies for maintaining open and transparent public communication in the face of rampant misinformation and active disinformation campaigns.

Through its focus on questioning who creates information, addressing algorithmic biases, and advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices, critical information literacy (CIL) can serve a vital function in navigating our complicated world. This collection uplifts voices from across the field–including those from public, school, and academic libraries–to provide practical approaches that all librarians can adopt and adapt for their particular library settings. Readers will

• learn practical approaches for integrating CIL into instruction and praxis regardless of their level of experience;
• gain tools to better engage with the complexities of today's information landscape and empower their communities to do the same;
• be introduced to the theoretical frameworks of CIL through chapters that take a historical look at critical race theory in academic library instruction, CIL and feminist critique, and the intersection of queer pedagogy and CIL;
• discover in-depth profiles of programs happening in various library types, from algorithmic literacy and a targeted wiki-edit-a-thon event to an outreach initiative targeting groups historically excluded from post-secondary education;
• receive guidance on introducing CIL concepts to their peers and coworkers through professional development programs, such as introducing CIL practices into K-12 school culture, a CIL skills instruction program developed by public librarians to serve the everyday needs of information consumers, and a zine-making exercise for practicing reflection that embodies CIL; and
• find ready-to-use lesson plans and outlines, with suggestions on tailoring them to a variety of library types.