Fatness, Belonging, and Solidarity in Library Work

Abstract

Fat folks working in libraries face challenges that are both ubiquitous in a broader culture of anti-fatness and unique in our roles as knowledge workers, service providers, and community representatives. Based on interviews with fat librarians, experiences in librarianship, and relevant scholarship, this presentation will address the ways in which fatness and anti-fat bias affect and inform library work. In addition to discussing how library workers and users experience anti-fatness, this presentation will focus on the distinctive role that fat librarians play in creating better libraries, particularly when they identify as part of the fat community. Participants will be invited to consider how centering fat perspectives can contribute to more inclusive and welcoming libraries by dismantling oppressive hierarchies, fostering belonging, and cultivating solidarity.