Our Mission

Together, we build stronger libraries for the future.

READCON

About Us

READCON

READCON equips library workers with the skills to navigate challenging situations and build strong community relationships. We empower them to foster constructive dialogue, de-escalate tense situations, engage stakeholders and leaders, and develop positive messaging during crisis. Together, we build stronger libraries for the future.

READCON: Skills for Equitable Access

Libraries are the cornerstones of open access to information and essential community hubs. Yet, navigating today’s challenges around content and community engagement can be daunting.

READCON exists to empower library workers with the tools they need to build strong relationships and ensure equitable access for all. We’ve partnered with experts across library science, education, communication, and social justice to develop a comprehensive curriculum. This curriculum equips library workers with the skills to:

  • Foster constructive dialogue: Facilitate open conversations, even when facing disagreement, ensuring diverse voices are heard.
  • De-escalate tense situations: Maintain a safe and inclusive environment, promoting understanding and respect.
  • Engage stakeholders and leaders: Build trust and collaboration with community members, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
  • Develop positive messaging: Master clear, concise, and impactful communication during times of crisis, ensuring everyone has access to accurate information.

By empowering library workers, READCON empowers libraries to become true centers of community engagement, where everyone feels welcome and information is accessible to all.

Project Leaders

Dr. April M. Dawkins

Team Leader

Valerie Byrd Fort

Project Director

Dr. Lucy Santos Green

Instructional Designer

Joan D. Delgado

Graduate Research Assistant

Laura Norris

Graphic Designer

Content Development Team

Sherry V. Neal, JD

Content Development Team

Anastasia M. Collins

Content Development Team

Thom Fladung

Content Development Team

Kelly Jensen

Content Development Team

Michael Robinson, Jr.

Content Development Team

Advisory Board

Alex Brown

Advisory Board Member

Michael Hull

Advisory Board Member

Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson

Advisory Board Member

David Paige

Advisory Board Member

One Step Ahead

Frequently Asked Questions

READCON curriculum equips library workers with skills to develop relationships with community groups. These include fostering constructive dialogue, de-escalating tense situations, engaging with stakeholders and community leaders, and developing positive messaging and communication in times of crisis.

Looking to help train library practitioners and organizations in techniques for community collaboration and civic engagement along with professional soft skills not typically addressed in Library and Information Science curriculum, Dr. April Dawkins and Dr. Lucy Santos Green were awarded a nearly $250,000 grant for a two-year project.

The grant was awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program RE-254844-OLS-23.

READCON: A Curriculum for Library Readiness, Advocacy, and Community Empowerment During Challenging Conditions partners experts in academic, public, and school librarianship with experts in education and family law; crisis communication, public, and media relations; community reconciliation; and youth leadership to develop a targeted suite of blended professional development experiences.

READCON uses an expanded version of the Get Ready Stay Ready Community Action Toolkit, which is an accessible and multilingual curated resource collection. Designed for parents and caregivers, the toolkit provides resources to take action to protect the right to read and access to information.

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