The Sidewalk Is Our Reference Desk: when librarians take to the streets

Abstract

Radical Reference is a volunteer-run collective that provides free reference and instruction services to independent journalists, political activists and the public online (http://radicalreference.info) and in person at protests and political events. In our online setting a highly collaborative, multilingual, volunteer community uses open source tools to answer questions in a constantly evolving conversation, while at protests and actions `Street librarians' armed with tailor-made `Ready Reference Kits' are connected via cell phone to home support librarians who provide synchronous help. In both contexts we strive to reach an underserved population who may have limited access to trusted information.