Running Head: 

KYRIARCHY WITHIN LIBRARY SYSTEMS 

 
 
 

Annotated Bibliography: 

Identifying and Subverting Elements of Kyriarchy Within Library Systems

Introduction

Oppression occurs throughout society, and as a part of society, libraries must be aware of

systematic forms of oppression in order to facilitate effective knowledge dissemination

for its users. Kyriarchy is the oppression formed by the intersectionality of sexism,

racism, classism, ageism, ableism, sexual orientation discrimination and discrimination

based on religious beliefs. In this annotated bibliography, I focus on the kyriarchical

elements of sexism, racism and classism, and offer a small selection of sources to consult

for more information on allied work. The annotations below are aimed towards

introducing ideas of social responsibility and awareness to librarians, and they relate most

distinctly to classification, collection development, patron and community interaction.

KYRIARCHY WITHIN LIBRARY SYSTEMS  2

Background

Raber, D. (2007). ACONDA and ANACONDA: social change, social responsibility, and

librarianship.  Library Trends, 55, 3. p.675(23). 675-697.

The author of this article is a professor and library scholar, who has studied and published
many works on politics, policy, society and culture within the information field. The
scope of this work includes history and background of the growing movement within
ALA and among librarians to define and work towards libraries as effecters of social
change. The article discusses the creation of the Social Responsibilities Round Table, the
Activities Committee on New Directions (ACONDA) and the Ad Hoc Activities
Committee on New Directions (ANACONDA). The article asserts that the events
surrounding and leading up to the formation of these groups, as well as the stimulus of
the groups themselves, led to the strengthening and underlining of the role of libraries
and librarians with regards to social responsibility. The intended audience is individuals
interested in the history and formation of the aforementioned groups or individuals
interested in social responsibility history and progress. This article is a wonderful article
to read in order to gain an understanding of the beginning of the modern movement to
emphasize and support libraries as an activist, community support center.

Schüssler Fiorenza, E. (1993). Justa – Constructing common ground. But she said: Feminist
practices of biblical interpretation. (pp. 103-32). Boston, MA: Beacon.

The author of this book is a professor at Harvard Divinity School, a scholar in the field of
feminist theology and is considered a strong, pioneering leader in her field. This
annotation specifically focuses on Part II, Chapter Four in the text. This chapter discusses
the Kyriarchy, its origins and components. The article discusses the intersectionality of
oppression, the systems of oppressive power structures and some origins of modern
kyriarchical structures. The purpose of this chapter is to begin to understand that
oppression and power structures are not necessarily hierarchical like a ladder, with one
over another, but power and oppression often overlap into shifting circles. Another work
of Schüssler Fiorenza’s touching on the specific subject of Kyriarchy is Wisdom Ways:
Introducing Feminist Biblical Interpretation. Schüssler Fiorenza identifies as Catholic,
but this chapter is applicable to a broader audience of librarians interested in learning
more about a theoretical and practical understanding of power structures.
KYRIARCHY WITHIN LIBRARY SYSTEMS  3

Classification System Bias

Olson, H. (2001). The power to name: Representation in library catalogs. Library Trends, 26(3),
639-668.

Hope Olson is currently a professor and associate dean at the University of Wisconsin,
and a prolific author of works revolving around hierarchy (cultural and categorical),
knowledge organization, and gender studies. This article discusses Charles Cutter, Melvil
Dewey, the LCSH and the Dewey Decimal System’s presumptions of universality and
the results and difficulties surrounding their attempts to classify and categorize
information based upon those presumptions. Olson’s article further illuminates the
problems and limitations imposed upon catalog records due to social constructs and
biases. In addition, the author suggests techniques for change, such as using technology
in original and subversive manners, expanding LCSH and DDC standards and by
allowing for representation in the spaces which are currently exclusionary. An appendix
is included. This work is applicable to studies of bias surrounding gender, race, class and
other kyriarchical elements. The article’s intended audience is library professionals and
interested, mature, socially aware individuals. Olson has authored many works
surrounding this subject, including How we construct subjects: A feminist analysis. This
article is a wonderful source for activists of social change to understand how kyriarchy
and bias affect knowledge organization and access within libraries.

Olson, H. (2007). How we construct subjects: A feminist analysis. Library Trends, 56(2), 509-
541.

Hope Olson is currently a professor and associate dean at the University of Wisconsin,
and a prolific author of works revolving around hierarchy (cultural and categorical),
knowledge organization, and gender studies. The scope of this article is not overly large,
however it contains within a history of organization information structure and modern
feminist discussion about the appropriateness of contemporary use of knowledge
structures originating long ago. The author discusses and critiques Aristotelian logic and
its application to information organization. Olson suggests alternative approaches to the
current model of gender-biased classification such as feminine inclusion, radical
restructuring (for instance, a “web-based” structure) and dismantling and rebuilding
today’s information organization structures. This article deals more specifically with
feminist theory and classification than other facets of kyriarchy, like race or class,
although there are some mentions of various overlapping areas of oppression. This high
level article is useful for individuals familiar with feminist theory and helpful for those
interested in third-wave feminist classification.
KYRIARCHY WITHIN LIBRARY SYSTEMS  4

Identifying and Confronting Sexism Within Libraries

Hildenbrand, Suzanne. (2000). Library feminism and library women’s history: Activism and
scholarship, equity and culture. Libraries & Culture, 35(1), 51-65.

Suzanne Hildenbrand has authored several books on the topic of women and libraries,
both favorably recommended by reviewers such as Libraries and Culture. The article
begins with an historical summary of the time period after World War II, which many
called the time period a “Golden Age” for libraries. Double standards, however, in
employment positions of men and women were clearly expressed at the time, however,
even as libraries were patting themselves on the back for their “equal” treatment of
women. Connections between the Sixties’ second wave feminism and libraries are
discussed. Hildenbrand explains that investigations into queer and race aspects of
librarianship were limited but present during the Eighties, and in the Nineties, more
research on the intersectionality between gender, race and librarianship were emerging.
The author’s paper focuses on feminism and its history within libraries, but does pull in
other aspects of kyriarchical oppression, making this article useful for researchers
interested in the nature and facets of modern women’s history within libraries.

Various Contributors. (2010). COSWL cause: ALA committee on the status of women in
librarianship. Retrieved from http://blogs.ala.org/coswlcause.php

The blog COSWL Cause was created in 2006 by the members of the American Library
Association’s Commission on the Status of Women in Librarianship. The committee’s
goal is to give voice to the multitude of women librarian’s interests and ensure that the
rights of women are upheld within the field. It attempts to provide information about
potentially relevant topics for women librarians and to provide resources for those who
are in need. The blog’s scope is wide, covering topics like equal pay, politics, technology,
feminism and librarianship. The authors of the blog postings are not clearly identifiable,
however by requesting the information, current authors can be identified. Representation
and voice may not always be equally represented, that is to say bloggers may more
frequently post information more applicable to certain groups of librarians, however the
blog has been running for nearly five years, and the authorship of posts has changed,
reflecting viewpoints likewise. The audience and level of writing is not scholarly in tone,
rather it is more informal, lending itself to viewing by learned and layperson readers
alike.
KYRIARCHY WITHIN LIBRARY SYSTEMS  5

Identifying and Confronting Systematic Racism Within Libraries

Blackburn, F. (2009). Learning on the job: Collection management, and aspects of cross-cultural
provision. Australian Library Journal, 58(3), 312-325.

Fiona Blackburn is a librarian at Alice Springs Public Library, Australia, who writes
about entering the library profession later in life. With a lifetime of experiences behind
her, she tells about her perceptions related to oppression and bias in public libraries. Ms.
Blackburn’s library in Australia has a significant population of Indigenous patrons, so
many of the reflections within the article are related specifically to the particular cultural
interactions of her locale, however, the view she shares with the readers is applicable in
many circumstances and between many cultural zones, not only for Indigenous
Australians. Blackburn discusses the merits and importance of cross-cultural provision
and cultural heritage access. She recognizes and discusses explicitly the obstacles her
and her patrons face in her work surrounding special collections development, including
racism, effects of colonization, alienation and prejudice. Blackburn also argues for the
dominant culture’s involvement with marginalized groups, in order to help solidify
feelings of community and solidarity. This article is an informative and thought
provoking read for a librarian interested in understanding more about racial tensions and
the effects of systematic racism and cultural oppression.

Whitmire, E. (1999). Racial differences in the academic library experiences of undergraduates.

Journal of Academic Librarianship, 25(1), 33-37.

Ethelene Whitmire is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s

School of Library and Information Studies. She has published many articles on the topic
of racial and cultural diversity within libraries. This article is a quantitative, evidence
based study. It shows that around the United States, in the early nineties, African-
American students were utilizing academic library services more frequently than White
students. Reasons for this included specialized library programs targeted towards
minority students, as well as a college transition program. She speculates that the early
intervention of the programs may have led to an increased comfort and accessibility for
the African-American students. The author argues that as the number of racially diverse
college attendees increase, programs and outreach must be examined in order to best
meet the needs of the student population. This article uses highly scholarly language and
is aimed at managing library and university professionals, who might be inclined to
perform similar studies to understand the boundaries of their facility’s current
accommodations.
KYRIARCHY WITHIN LIBRARY SYSTEMS  6

Identifying and Confronting Classism Within Libraries

Berman, S. (2001). A long struggle to force libraries to serve the poor. Street Spirit, January
2001, 12-13.

The author Sanford Berman is a radical librarian, cataloguer and activist, determined and
focused on inclusivity and best possible practices in subject representation. In this article
(one of many publication by Berman), he discusses the development of ALA’s policy
development regarding services for the poor. He references the Social Responsibilities
Round Table, referenced in the Introduction section of this annotated bibliography, and
discusses its effectiveness. The author illustrates the lack of interest or zeal towards the
topic of class issues on behalf of the ALA and shows the direct conflict between its
actions and its policy. He supports and gives excellent, useful examples of ways to
include the underprivileged in brainstorming sessions in order to help magnify their
voices. Berman speaks passionately about the social responsibilities of the librarian and
of libraries, and shows, through his works the effects and consequences of taking risks.
The author illustrates principled, passionate works and serves as an inspiration for those
who wish to raise consciousness and fight kyriarchy in their own library systems. The
intended audience level is aimed at librarians and the level of reading is adult.

Berman, S. (2005) Classism in the stacks: Libraries and poor people. Librarians at Liberty,
13(3), 51-54.

The author Sanford Berman is a radical librarian, cataloguer and activist, determined and
focused on inclusivity and best possible practices in subject representation. This article
illustrates the schism between libraries stated goals and their realities relating to class
issues. Multiple examples of stereotyping, classism and privilege are spouted from library
representatives and ALA officials own mouths, instead of the compassion, understanding
and social support spirit that one might expect from library leaders. As libraries claim to
be community centers, Berman suggests, why effectively exclude those of the community
who are most likely to need those services most? The author again questions why so
many libraries have failed to promote the ALA’s Poor People’s Policy and suggests
several possible reasons. Berman’s article illustrates the intersecting nature of kyriarchy,
and demands that the reader recognize within hirself personal hang-ups and resistance
towards mobilizing the underserved. This article is aimed towards a general audience at
an adult language and conceptual level.
KYRIARCHY WITHIN LIBRARY SYSTEMS  7

Allied Action

Barned, S. L. (2010). Black American feminisms: A multidisciplinary bibliography. Retrieved

from http://www.library.ucsb.edu/subjects/blackfeminism/introduction.html#top

Sherri Barnes is a librarian and collections coordinator at the University of California-

Santa Barbara, extremely active in her field and has presented and published a great
volume of work. The bibliography Black American Feminists is a cross-disciplinary
compilation of black feminist/womanist thought dating back about two hundred years.
One of Barnes’ purpose in creating this extensive bibliography is to inspire current social
activists fighting gender, race, and other components of kyriarchical oppression. The
author hopes to validate black feminists contributions and give their voices and
experience a platform, or space, to exist. The majority of references are from the modern
era, that is, from the 1970’s and onward. This resource would be wonderful for any
librarian to use to help create a more representative collection and it would also be an
extremely useful resource for individuals interested in expanding their knowledge about
marginalized groups in order to be a more effective source of allied assistance.

Lee, A. (2010). Feminist Review. Retrieved from http://feministreview.blogspot.com/

The Feminist Review blog is a collection of 150 bloggers who submit posts under the
collective name of Ama Lee. The blog sustains a readership of more than 20,000 visits
per month, leading it to be the world’s most popular blog focused on reviewing products
from an exclusively feminist perspective. The blog has reviewed over 3,500 items
including items like current books, movies, music even items like theatre performances
and body products. The Feminist Review would be a handy source for collection
developers to stop by and search for titles to help them include items in their collections
to widen sections of their libraries’ holdings. The language and audience level is general.
Because the authorship of blog postings rotates, users are advised to be aware that
although the reviewers identify as feminist, other layers of prejudice or privilege may
color reviews, so it is important to use this service, as any reviewing service, as another
tool in the selector’s toolkit.

Samek, T. (2007). Librarianship and human rights: A twenty-first century guide. Oxford:
Chandos.

Toni Samek is currently an educator at the University of Alberta’s School of Library and
Information Studies who has published numerous books, chapters and articles on
librarianship, human rights and intellectual freedom. This book allows for the
experiences of many information professionals to guide the reader towards the
KYRIARCHY WITHIN LIBRARY SYSTEMS  8

importance of the library’s role relating to intellectual freedoms. It provides the reader
with a better understanding of critical concepts relating to social responsibility among
libraries and is an excellent source for any reader interested in concrete, practical actions
to address relevant issues. Strategies include creating “safe spaces”, organizational
manifestos, memory projects and particular types of quantitative research. The audience
appears to be aimed towards librarians and professionals within the library field. This
book is an excellent source of information and librarians serious about investigating and
allying with underprivileged groups would do well to read this source.