What is a Tribal library? In this presentation, we will share our insights from research projects centering the history, current needs, and future of library services for Tribal communities in Washington state. Using Indigenous research methodologies, our project reframes how libraries, including public libraries, can serve communities while respecting and honoring Tribal relations.  

Speakers: 

Sandy Littletree is an Assistant Professor in the Information School at the University of Washington in Seattle. She is Diné and Eastern Shoshone, and a member of the Navajo Nation. Building on her research on the history of tribal libraries, her research interests lie at the intersections of Indigenous systems of knowledge and the library and information science field. She is originally from NW New Mexico 

Cindy Aden is Teaching Professor Emeritus at the UW Information School. She previously served as the Distinguished Practitioner in Residence (2020-2023);  and Chair, MLIS Program (2023-2025). Her career includes serving as the Washington State Librarian and at the Library of Congress, University of Washington Libraries, as the first librarian at Amazon.com and building business relationships for libraries and tech companies at OCLC, a global library cooperative.