From Erasure to Empowerment: The Role of Information in Fighting Epistemicide

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Abstract:
Libraries, archives and museums (LAMs) are dynamic spaces for knowledge preservation, accessibility and engagement. Beyond curation, many information institutions are actively challenging narratives of erasure, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering dialogues to empower marginalized communities. From digitization to community engagement, LAMs are redefining their roles as catalysts for social change and advocates for responsible preservation. This talk highlights the transformative potential of LAMs in fighting against epistemicide by shedding light on the multilayered factors perpetuating the systematic erasure of invaluable cultural heritage and ways of knowing. Through case studies and historical inquiry, this talk emphasizes the consequences of epistemicide for individuals, communities and societies, and calls upon information professionals, scholars and educators to recognize the urgency of interrupting epistemicide. To inspire a collective commitment to fighting against epistemicide, we must recognize the pivotal role of information and LAMs in collaboratively safeguarding global histories, heritage and memories to ensure no knowledge is erased.

Speaker bio:
Beth Patin serves as an assistant professor within the Syracuse University School of Information Studies. Her scholarship is rooted in the pursuit of equitable information access, manifesting in two key research domains: crisis informatics and equity informatics. Her dedication and excellence in teaching were acknowledged with the prestigious 2023 Association of Library and Information Science Education Teaching Award for Early Excellence. As a co-founder of the Library Information Investigative Team research group, Patin continues to make notable contributions to her field. Presently, Patin is delving into the concept of epistemicide, defined as the devaluation, silencing, erasure, killing or annihilation of knowledge. Patin's contributions to the field have been recognized consistently over the years. In 2007, she was honored as an American Library Association Emerging Leader, a testament to her potential and leadership within her profession. In 2021, she was the recipient of the Early Career Award from the Institute of Museums and Library Services, to support research specifically focusing on the resilience of libraries and their integral role in communities. Additionally, she is actively involved in projects dedicated to capturing, preserving and amplifying the hitherto untold narratives of the Civil Rights Movement in Huntsville, Alabama. Patin's impact on her academic community is underscored by her consecutive Best Paper Awards at the 2022 and 2023 Association of Library and Information Science Education conferences. Furthermore, her journal article titled "Interrupting Epistemicide" earned the distinguished title of Best Information Ethics and Policy Paper in 2021, solidifying her reputation as a scholar of utmost distinction. Patin's work is not only a testament to her dedication to the field but also an inspiring example of her commitment to equity, knowledge preservation and the empowerment of marginalized voices.