Privilege Layer Cake: Professional Development Activity

Developed in collaboration with Joanna Nelson Rendón (Director of Young Adult Services, Pikes Peak Library District), the Privilege Layer Cake (PLC) activity has shown itself to be an adaptable approach to discussing issues of privilege and equity in library and information organizations, as well as classroom settings. The activity can be structured for a variety of group sizes as well - from small, departmental discussions to larger, whole organization discussions. Organizations, groups, and even individuals interested in employing the PLC, can take advantage of the resources provided below. This Intersections blog post also provides details on administering the PLC.

PLC Resources

The following resources are provided as suggestions for those interested in either trying out the Privilege Layer Cake (PLC) activity; or simply learning more about the concepts of privilege, implicit bias, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The resources are divided into two sections: PLC Documents and Additional Resources. The additional resources are presented as a suggested starting point for those interested in delving more deeply into the topic, but are not “required readings.” They are designed to support increased understanding and promote further research and discussion. We also invite you to suggest additional resources that you feel would be useful to others.

PLC Documents

PLC Session Script
This script can be used as a guideline for anyone interested in running the PLC activity. Suggested breakdown for activity segments and suggested timing is included. (PDF) (Word)

Guiding Questions for Discussions
These guiding questions can be used verbatim or serve as a model for possible questions to ask during the PLC activity. (PDF) (Word)

Handout
This handout can be used to supplement the PLC workshop as a participant note taking source or follow-up/review source for after the workshop. PDF

Privilege & Power Bibliography
A bibliography of resources that may be of interest to those attending a PLC session or preparing to offer a PLC session. A few sources may also support those who would like additional guidance for having difficult conversations around the topics of privilege and power. PDF

Follow Up "Action" Resources

These resources are offered as a suggestion for those looking for additional readings, podcasts or other resources to support their own learning and understanding of privilege.

Readings
  • Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Dr. Vivek Murthy
  • Just Work: Get Sh*t Done, Fast & Fair by Kim Scott
  • Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong
  • ​Soliciting Performance, Hiding Bias: Whiteness and Librarianship – In the Library with the Lead Pipe. http://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2015/soliciting-performance-hiding-bias-whiteness-and-librarianship/

Podcasts

Happiness Lab

​​
Ologies with Ally Ward
Short Wave https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510351/short-wave 


Check out these ones, in general:
Activities
Webinars
  • From the Colorado State Library:
  1. CSL in Session: Sorry….You Just Don’t Fit into our Culture: unconscious bias in hiring decisions (https://cslinsession.cvlsites.org/past/sorry-you-just-dont-fit-into-our-culture-unconscious-bias-in-hiring-decisions/). Presented by Beth Crist and Jean Heilig.
  2. CSL in Session: The Hidden Biases of Good People (https://cslinsession.cvlsites.org/past/the-hidden-biases-of-good-people/).  Presented by Beth Crist and Jean Heilig.
  3. CSL in Session: Receptive to Race: Normalizing the Discussion of Race with Children in Libraries (https://cslinsession.cvlsites.org/past/receptive-to-race-normalizing-the-discussion-of-race-with-children-in-libraries/). Presented by Becki Loughlin.
  4. CSL in Session: Radical Cataloging: Using alternative subject headings to promote inclusiveness and diversity (https://cslinsession.cvlsites.org/past/radical-cataloging-using-alternative-subject-headings-locally-to-promote-inclusiveness-and-diversity/).  Presented by Sol María López and Laura Wright.

Resource Lists
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