Join Us This Summer for VLA Reads, Hosted by the LGBTQIA+ and Librarians of Color Forums

Hosted by the Librarians of Color and LGBQTIA+ Forums, VLA is delighted to invite you to our very own VLA Reads! We will be reading Subtle Acts of Exclusion, by Dr. Tiffany Jana and Dr. Michael Baran, who will be joining us for a chat in September! 

Jana and Baran ask, “Our workplaces are growing more diverse, but are we supporting inclusive cultures? While overt racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination are relatively easy to spot, we cannot neglect the subtler everyday actions that normalize exclusion in our workplaces for our colleagues and those whom we serve. Many have heard the term microaggression, but not everyone fully understands what microaggressions are or how to recognize them and stop them from happening.”1

“In this book, Dr. Tiffany Jana and Dr. Michael Baran offer a clearer, more accessible term, subtle acts of exclusion, or SAE, to emphasize the purpose and effect of microaggressions. Whether in the form of exaggerated stereotypes, backhanded compliments, unfounded assumptions, or objectification, SAE are insidious and damaging to our coworkers and colleagues. Dr. Jana and Dr. Baran give simple and clear tools to identify and address such acts, even offering scripts for helpful ways to approach discussions of difficult, uncomfortable, and deeply personal topics in a professional setting.” Subtle Acts of Exclusion is the winner of the 2020 Terry McAdams Award and the Readers’ Choice Award by the LGBTAbstract International Book Award.

Schedule Details

July:
Acquire and read the book–the second edition is preferred. If you plan to purchase a copy, please consider your independent bookstore! 

August:
Register for either book discussion groups on Zoom. LOC and LGBQTIA+ forums will be hosting breakout rooms of up to 8 people each to facilitate a real discussion. Please register by July 31st.

Group I:
Tuesday, Aug 19, 2025 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/IiDUPrO9S6eUE0RPnMModw 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Group II:
Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MN6Wh3qTRPG3CQlX17IWRg 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

September:
Register for a live discussion with Dr. Jana!
Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 
Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/hdhuX2hkSz2Z_C56SiNslw 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.