Watch the Recording of "Creating Response Strategies for Academic Libraries"

June 25, 2025
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As challenges to academic freedom, accreditation standards, and DEI policies intensify, academic libraries are finding themselves at the crossroads of institutional survival and civic responsibility.

Our webinar aired live on June 25, 2025, and is now available for on-demand viewing via https://vimeo.com/1096330472/3851a50932. You can download a copy of the slides in PDF format as well. 

In this dynamic and highly relevant webinar developed in partnership with Emerald Publishing, John Chrastka, Executive Director of the EveryLibrary Institute, delivers a framework for academic library leaders seeking to respond to political and policy threats and seize new opportunities for strategic engagement. 

Watch anytime on-demand and for free at https://vimeo.com/1096330472/3851a50932

This session explores actionable strategies across three spheres of influence: the individual librarian, the library unit, and the institution, and introduces a critical "fourth space" for coordinated action via consortia, systems, and associations. Chrastka draws on real-world examples and emerging policy trends, including the implications of Executive Order 14279, attacks on DEI in education, and the risks posed by accreditation rollbacks by regional accreditors.

What You'll Learn:

  • How to build institutional readiness through accreditation task force participation and proactive policy development.

  • How to position libraries within cross-campus coalitions to defend academic freedom.

  • The importance of faculty unions, alumni, and general counsel as partners in defending libraries.

  • Why consortia, systems, and associations must act as a “safety valve” when individuals and institutions can’t speak out.

  • Seven key advocacy actions that consortia and systems can adopt now.

This session is part of an ongoing series by the EveryLibrary Institute and Emerald Publishing. Learn more about future sessions and related resources, including our white paper on accreditation issues in higher ed.

Learn more about #DefendResearch coaltion at DefendResearch.org.

This series is presented in partnership with Emerald Publishing. Learn more about our collaboration and access resources at everylibraryinstitute.org/emerald_publishing_partnership_everylibrary_institute

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