Since the publication of Max Horkheimer’s 1937 essay Critical Theory, “critical” has come to signify approaches that focus on how to understand the structural dynamics of social iniquities with the ultimate goal of dismantling such systems while empowering those forced to endure them. Critical librarianship seeks to do this in the context of information theory and practice.

Critlib.org, using the hashtag #Critlib, is a platform for those interested in critical librarianship to learn and collaborate on common projects. The organizers of the site host and archive Twitter discussions and help librarians interested in collaborating find each other through their research interest match-making form as well as their upcoming conference match-making form (currently offline). The site offers guidance navigating Twitter-based discussions and provides an opt-in map to help facilitate in person collaborations (whenever that becomes a thing again). It also hosts a number of ongoing projects, including a petition for LIS support of Black Lives Matter and a call to collaborate on a critical information literacy Wikipedia page.

Through its involvement with the #Critlib hashtag on Twitter, recommended resources, and “crticat” sections, Critlib.org offers a wealth of material for those interested in exploring or furthering their experience with critical librarianship and shows the potential of social media to help facilitate professional development and continuing education.

(For a bit more background on critical librarianship consider visiting Brock University's Research Guide)