In this episode, Kaetrena Davis Kendrick—an award-winning librarian, researcher, and the 2024–2025 Follett Chair at Dominican University—joins the hosts. Kendrick, renowned for her research on the topic of low-morale in libraries, sheds light on the systemic systems and structures that enable these environments and how BIPOC library workers and administrators grapple with this.
Together, the trio explore enabling systems, problematic behaviors, and the emotional toll of library work—while also discussing pathways to healing through collective care, glimmer gathering, and workplace empathy. Kaetrena offers practical takeaways and inspiring book recommendations for those working toward more inclusive and supportive library cultures.
Hosts: LaRee Dominguez & Brittany Young
Date of recording: May 29, 2025
Mentioned in this episode: https://renewalslis.com
Book recommendations:
Critical Hope by Kari Grain
My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem
Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away by Annie Duke
Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey
Popular Podcasts
United States of Kennedy
United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com