Katie Crossman, Eman H. Ibrahim, Haimei Wang, Carrie Kitchen, Lindsay Banting

Everyday Inclusion with Racialized Youth in Public Libraries

Introduction

Everyday inclusion with racialized youth in public libraries. Explore how racialized and immigrant youth experience belonging in public libraries. This study identifies key factors like safety, representation, and acceptance, offering recommendations for fostering inclusive and empowering library spaces.

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of racialized and immigrant youth in public libraries, focusing on a sense of belonging. The research team conducted 18 observations, two focus groups, surveys (n=79), and interviews (n=17). Findings were then explored with a co-design team of seven racialized youths. Data analysis identified four key themes influencing belonging: accessibility, safety, inclusion (subthemes: familiarity, representation, and acceptance), and agency. Findings reveal that youth value safe, familiar, and inclusive environments where they feel represented and accepted. They also highlight challenges such as limited agency and racial discrimination. Ultimately, the findings emphasize the importance of fostering environments where youth are engaged, empowered, and heard so they can help shape public spaces where they feel truly valued. This paper also offers recommendations for ways public libraries can encourage a sense of belonging for immigrant and racialized youth and directions for future research.

Review

This qualitative study, "Everyday Inclusion with Racialized Youth in Public Libraries," addresses a highly pertinent and critical topic: fostering a sense of belonging for racialized and immigrant youth within public library spaces. The research design appears robust and comprehensive, employing a laudable mixed-methods approach that includes observations, focus groups, surveys, and interviews. A significant strength lies in the direct involvement of the target demographic through a co-design team of racialized youth, which undoubtedly enhances the study's authenticity, relevance, and ethical grounding. This commitment to youth voice and participatory research strengthens the foundation of the findings and positions the paper to offer meaningful insights. The abstract clearly delineates four key themes—accessibility, safety, inclusion (with its crucial subthemes of familiarity, representation, and acceptance), and agency—that directly influence youth's sense of belonging. By identifying that youth value safe, familiar, and inclusive environments, the study provides actionable insights for library practitioners. Furthermore, acknowledging challenges such as limited agency and experiences of racial discrimination is vital, highlighting areas where libraries must critically examine their practices and environment. The emphasis on fostering environments where youth are engaged, empowered, and heard underscores the transformative potential of public libraries as truly community-centric spaces. To maximize its impact, the full paper should elaborate on the theoretical framework guiding its qualitative analysis, ensuring that the rich data gathered is interpreted through a well-articulated lens. While the abstract points to "recommendations" and "directions for future research," the full manuscript will need to clearly articulate these, ensuring they are concrete, actionable, and directly supported by the presented findings. A deeper dive into the specific manifestations and contexts of "racial discrimination" and "limited agency" would further strengthen the paper, offering a more nuanced understanding of the systemic barriers youth encounter. Overall, this study promises a valuable contribution to library science, youth studies, and urban planning, offering essential guidance for creating more equitable and inclusive public spaces.

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