The we need diverse books campaign and critical race theory: a call to action for library and information professionals

The author will explore the ways in which Critical Race Theory (CRT) is used in the We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) media campaign. WNDB has uniquely connected with its community, both online and in person from the beginning. By examining the dynamic example of WNDB through the lens of CRT, the author will contribute points of action for Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals to help support WNDB’s momentum. The author wishes to incite a sense of urgency in LIS professionals to understand and utilize the depth of CRT’s power to create a more equitable society for the community of youth that LIS practitioners serve. The push for diverse books is not a new one and has been championed by many for decades. Yet, not until recently, the diverse books issue has achieved traction, thanks to the efforts of WNDB. What can LIS professionals do to ensure that this traction continues