Not a token! A discussion on racial capitalism and its impact on academic librarians and libraries

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of racial capitalism in the context of academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on Leong's (2013) extended theory of racial capitalism and identifies how neoliberalism and racial capitalism are tied as well as how it is manifested in academic libraries through tokenism, racialized tasks, consuming racial trauma, cultural performance demands, workload demands and pay inequity.

Findings

The article ends with some suggestions in how to address these problematic practices though dismantling meritocratic systems, critical race theory in LIS education and training, and funding EDI work.

Originality/value

The article explores a concept in the academic library context and points to practices and structures that may commodify racialized identities.

Related collections

Most cited references 107

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Whiteness as Property

Cheryl I. Harris (1993)

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A Theory of Racialized Organizations

Victor Ray (2019)

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Is Open Access

Addressing disparities in academic medicine: what of the minority tax?

José E Rodríguez Rojas, Kendall M. Campbell, Linda H Pololi … (2015)

Background The proportion of black, Latino, and Native American faculty in U.S. academic medical centers has remained almost unchanged over the last 20 years. Some authors credit the "minority tax"—the burden of extra responsibilities placed on minority faculty in the name of diversity. This tax is in reality very complex, and a major source of inequity in academic medicine. Discussion The “minority tax” is better described as an Underrepresented Minority in Medicine (URMM) faculty responsibility disparity. This disparity is evident in many areas: diversity efforts, racism, isolation, mentorship, clinical responsibilities, and promotion. Summary The authors examine the components of the URMM responsibility disparity and use information from the medical literature and from human resources to suggest practical steps that can be taken by academic leaders and policymakers to move toward establishing faculty equity and thus increase the numbers of black, Latino, and Native American faculty in academic medicine.

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All references

Author and article information

Contributors

Silvia Vong: (View ORCID Profile)

Journal

Title: Reference Services Review

Abbreviated Title: RSR

Publisher: Emerald

ISSN (Print): 0090-7324

Publication date Created: December 13 2021

Publication date Created: March 02 2022

Publication date (Electronic): December 13 2021

Publication date (Print): March 02 2022

Volume: 50

Issue: 1

Pages: 127-147

Article

DOI: 10.1108/RSR-06-2021-0024

SO-VID: 59277b26-f17b-4c69-8176-246bf47fe80b

License:

https://www.emerald.com/insight/site-policies

History

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