Learning through experience: Reflecting on community-engaged scholarship

Abstract

We are living in a time of unprecedented change and upheaval. Not only are we in the midst of a global pandemic, but American society is also facing racism, police brutality, and discrimination in ways that have not been this overtly visible since the civil rights movements of the mid 20th century. As such, it is imperative that LIS students are given ample opportunities for unique learning experiences that engage with the complexities of current events. This poster provides an overview of one such learning opportunity in which the presenter worked collaboratively with a local community archive to develop an interactive exhibit showcasing the history of the queer community of a Southeastern American city. Using the presenter’s experiences in a course focused on Community-Engaged Scholarship, the presenter will reflect on the process of completing a project of this nature and discuss the affordances and challenges of community engaged scholarship in the limited time frame of a semester.