Setting International Patrons Up for Success by Dismantling Deficit Thinking

Do you work with an international patron population? If so, come learn how deficit thinking may impact your interactions with these library users. Deficit thinking is a “blame the victim” approach to failure and occurs when a person in a position of power blames failures of an individual from a marginalized community on perceived deficiencies instead of considering structural defects that exacerbate inequities. International patrons are particularly vulnerable victims of public-facing employees exhibiting a deficit viewpoint. Library workers can break out of the deficit mindset by becoming aware of it, acknowledging the differing contexts that impact international patrons, critically examining their own background and cultural identity, exhibiting cultural humility, and intentionally designing library services and experiences that will equip international patrons with the tools they need to succeed. In this ShopTalk, deficit thinking will be defined and accompanied with common examples, and participants will be invited to reflect how deficit thinking impacts their library workplace. The ShopTalk will end with strategies for replacing deficit thinking with culturally sensitive approaches.