- Individuals who are committed to supporting and advancing African American librarians
As the official affiliate of the American Library Association’s Black Caucus, we serve as an advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources for the nation’s African-American community. We provide crucial leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians across the state.
We are dedicated to building a robust professional community across South Carolina that champions the advancement of African American library workers and educators. Through strategic collaboration and targeted professional development, we aim to empower our members while actively promoting essential literacy resources to uplift and enrich the communities we serve.
Support the professional growth of African American librarians, library workers, and educators
Create opportunities for networking and collaboration
Identify resources and programs that support literacy in the African American community
Establish a strong affiliate presence in South Carolina
The South Carolina Black Librarians Caucus reflects both a long-held vision and a clear need to recognize the vital contributions of African American librarians across the state. As libraries navigate evolving questions about information access, cultural relevance, and emerging technologies, the organization’s mission is increasingly important.
The Caucus empowers these professionals through high-quality learning, collaboration, and relevant programming that strengthens their ability to make a meaningful difference in their workplaces and communities.
Working with the Black Caucus of the American Library Association provides an opportunity for SCBLC to join the state’s other literacy organizations in addressing literacy deficits, increasing the number of qualified library professionals and engaging the community in initiatives that promote lifelong learning, equitable access to information and a deeper appreciation for the essential role libraries play across South Carolina.
This is an exciting time to launch SCBLC. All citizens who share and believe in our mission are welcome to join. Together we can create an environment that celebrates librarianship, strengthens professional connections, and advances equitable access to knowledge for communities throughout South Carolina.
Valuable professional development
Advancing African American librarians
Nearly 87% of all librarians in the United States are white.
As of 2021, only 7.1% of librarians nationwide identify as Black or African American.
Black librarians have never made up more than 10.1% of the profession.
Only 5.2% of credentialed librarians within the American Library Association identify as African American.
A core part of our mission is to identify resources and programs that support literacy in the African American community. To help achieve this, we have curated a directory of allied literacy organizations and informational programs designed to empower educators, students, families, and library professionals across the state.
Be a part of a dynamic group of individuals who support the advancement of African American librarians – Get involved in SCBLC!
