Building a Feminist Library

FALL 2022-PRESENT

Taking place across a series of gatherings, this project comes from our desire to collectively build an FMS Statement of Values and Commitments in tandem with a feminist library. Inspired by Max Liboiron’s CLEAR Lab Values Process, we are using storytelling to identify collective values we hold as FMS members. These core values will then inform a collection of syllabi for the Feminist Media Studio collectively authored by interested FMS members, inspired by the Pirate Care Syllabus.

At each gathering, we invite you to bring a story about a key book, resource, or creative object to your feminist research / research-creation work; one that informs the core of your feminist praxis. Together we will share the stories that brought us to these books, how they inform our work, and collectively brainstorm the values that emerge from them in our gathering.

We will continue the work of collaboratively tracing the goals and values we hold within the FMS community by identifying possible syllabi based around the texts comprising our library. Interested members will form working groups to collectively author these syllabi.

The FMS is purchasing copies of the books members have proposed on a rolling basis from a feminist bookstore for the shelves of our burgeoning library. Digital texts will be made available on a library iPad and Zotero group. We warmly welcome all of you to participate in this core process for the FMS. Watch our newsletter for upcoming meetings, to be held in person and on Zoom.

NB: Though you are encouraged and welcome to bring a book to share, you should feel free to come and simply listen, observe or chat. This will be the first of several “Feminist Library” sessions, and there will be future opportunities to suggest a book and contribute to the Studio’s values and commitments. Note that here the term book is used as a catchall, and any form of text is welcome.

Access the Zotero here.