Jennifer A. Ferretti

Jennifer A. Ferretti is a Lecturer at the San José State University School of Information, where she teaches INFO 281: Seminar in Contemporary Issues with a focus on critical librarianship, information ethics, and diverse communities. She is also a Senior Program Officer at the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) and the founder of We Here®, an initiative dedicated to advancing equity and representation for BIPOC individuals in the LIS field.

Education:

• Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS), Pratt Institute School of Information, 2014
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography, Maryland Institute College of Art, 2007

Her research and teaching are guided by critical praxis, focusing on dismantling systemic inequities in libraries and archives. Key areas include critical race theory, digital libraries, archival stewardship, information literacy, and the ethics of knowledge production. She is particularly interested in non-Western epistemologies and artist-led research methodologies.

Her recent publications explore themes such as vocational awe, neutrality in librarianship, and the role of libraries in social justice. These works reveal a consistent trend toward interrogating power structures within the LIS profession and advocating for transformative change.

Selected Scientific Contributions:

• Coined and popularized critical discourse on "vocational awe" and its ties to white supremacy in libraries.
• Advocated for the recruitment and retention of BIPOC professionals through We Here®.
• Published in leading LIS journals such as Communications in Information Literacy and Library Trends.

Jennifer advises on issues of equity and inclusion in LIS education and practice. She has presented widely and is active in professional development through workshops and leadership roles. Her work is supported by her dual expertise in fine art and librarianship, enabling a unique, interdisciplinary approach to information science.

She is the founder and creative director of We Here®, which functions as both a research project and advocacy platform. The initiative fosters community, mentorship, and visibility for underrepresented voices in the profession.