Breaking the Silence: Exploring Mental Health Challenges Among BIPOC Library Workers

Session archive

Questions we did not get to during the session

This discussion panel aims to shed light on the often overlooked topic of mental health challenges faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) library workers. For too long, the mental health challenges faced by BIPOC library workers have been overlooked, despite the unique stressors and systemic barriers they encounter in their professional environments. It recognizes that BIPOC individuals may experience mental health challenges differently than their white counterparts.

Through a candid conversation, panelists will share personal experiences, insights, and strategies for addressing mental health issues within the context of library work.

Additional Panel Sessions:

• Pride In Practice: LGBTQ+ Library Workers Perspectives on Mental Health – View the archive
• Balancing Act: Navigating Mental Health as Parental Caregivers in the Library Profession – October 16, 2024 at 1 PM MT
• Leading from Within: Cultivating Managerial Self-Care for Resilient Organizations – November 20, 2024 at 1 PM MT
• Bridging the Divide: A Panel Discussion on Library Workers Loneliness – December 18, 2024 at 1 PM MT

About the panelists:

Xochil Arellano is the EDI Manager at Poudre Libraries in Fort Collins, CO. With a BA in Psychology, she began her library career in 2015, progressing from Material Handler to her current role. Xochil has worked across all district libraries and assisted with community outreach events.

Her passion for fostering inclusive environments, building relationships, and innovative collaboration drives her work in enhancing diversity within the library. Xochil strives to meet individuals where they are to better serve both her team and the community she serves.

Rick Medrano (he/him) is the Outreach Manager for the High Plains Library District in Weld County, CO. He has been in libraries since 2010 and has held a variety of roles from page to board member. Through his work, Rick strives to ensure that library services are accessible to all members of the community, despite physical, social, or economic barriers.

Martín Martinez (he/him) is a Public Services Specialist at the Auraria Library that serves three higher education institutions: University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan University of Denver, and Community College of Denver. Martín is a student supervisor who works at the Ask Us Desk. He recently graduated from San José State University with a MLIS in May. His research interests include emerging technologies, gaming, and anti-racism efforts in the LIS.

Sharon L. Sherman received her PhD in Educational Leadership at the University of Colorado Denver, having completed her dissertation study in Jefferson County Schools. She has taught at the University of Northern Colorado (Lowry campus) and served as education director with Keshet of the Rockies in Denver. Dr. Sherman has also taught at two charter schools with DPS. She started at the Belmar branch of Jefferson County Public Library in December 2021 as a bilingual patron associate and enjoys leading story times in both English and Spanish as well as co-leading the adult Spanish language conversation group, Intercambio. Sherman is also active in the formation of JCPL’s workers union, presently serving on the 2024 bargaining team to obtain the union’s first contract.

Victor Zuniga  is currently working at the Poudre Libraries as the System Administrator in Fort Collins, CO. He has collaborated with academic, and public libraries at the state level as well as nationwide, including a partnership with PL’s sister library in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua to setup an open-source library system (Koha) in 2014. Prior to PL, Zuniga worked at the Westerville Public Library (Westerville, OH) where he managed the Sierra system (Formerly known as Millennium) as well as providing primary tech support for the SearchOhio Central server, a consortium of 28 library systems across the state. Zuniga is passionate about the library community and believes in its mission as a great resource to learn, contribute and collaborate with colleagues from all over the world.

Alejandro Marquez (he/him), is a Science and Engineering Librarian at University of Denver Libraries. He also served in the Peace Corps in El Salvador where he worked as a Municipal Development volunteer. His research interests include library employee mental health and well-being.