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BANKIER LIBRARY HOSTS “GLOBAL CONFLICT” BOOK DISPLAY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Global Citizenship Project
By Chelsea Rizzolo, Instructor Librarian, Liaison to History and Business Departments
In partnership with the Global Citizenship Project, the Bankier Library is hosting the “Global Conflict” book display and corresponding online research guide this Fall. This display focuses on the War in Ukraine and the Civil War in Sudan, and features important recent works in addition to foundational texts. This project began with a group of History, Sociology, and Library faculty meeting to discuss goals for the display and research guide and brainstorm critical works. What followed was a curated collection of books, podcasts, video lectures, scholars, and journalists focusing on the three featured conflicts. Not only does this collection provide access to diverse perspectives, but it also encourages interdisciplinary research. Students and faculty are encouraged to consider how different historical and political contexts influence these conflicts and resolution strategies – and how these topics might work into their research projects. The library is actively developing this collection, and new titles will be added throughout the semester.
The book display can be found on the first floor of Bankier Library, between the courtyard and the elevator, throughout the Fall 2024 semester. The corresponding research guide can be found at: https://libguides.brookdalecc.edu/globalconflict
The roles of academic libraries extend beyond traditional boundaries during times of crisis, conflict, and war. They are vital hubs for education and awareness and have a responsibility to offer up-to-date and ever-evolving collections that can help their communities not only understand contemporary conflicts, but also encourage critical engagement with underlying historical, social, and political dimensions of these conflicts. In this age where wartime mis- and disinformation run rampant and information is continuously published through both traditional media outlets and social media around the clock, librarians can help their communities find reliable sources among the web of uncertainty.
Brookdale Community College is fortunately located in a state where our community’s freedom to read is still protected, but this right should not be taken for granted since it is never guaranteed. Over 570 Ukrainian libraries have been destroyed due to Russian bombardments since the initial invasion, with approximately 4,000 libraries losing operational abilities within the first year of war alone (Prochaska, 2023; Steletti, 2024). Libraries have a long history as targets during conflict and war across the globe. The destruction and damage of these institutions mean loss of historical records, cultural heritage, access to vital educational resources, and places of physical and intellectual refuge. Here in the United States, the American Library Association reports new record highs of book ban attempts each year, and many states have passed legislation that allows lawmakers to dictate which books deemed appropriate enough to allow in libraries (ALA 2023; Harris, 2024). Protecting the freedom to read and intellectual freedom during times of conflict is crucial.
Engaging with materials in the Global Conflict book display and research guide, even if they present ideas you do not necessarily agree with, is just one way to exercise your freedom to read and access information – a privilege we are currently afforded. It is also a way to become an active, engaged, informed, and global citizen right here at Brookdale.
