معرفی
Shawnta Smith-Cruz is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute’s School of Information and currently serves as the Dean of Barnard Library. She holds an MLS in Archiving, an MFA in Creative Writing, and a BS in Queer Women’s Studies. Her research focuses on Critical Race Theory, queer narrative formation, and ancestral connections, with a strong emphasis on Black lesbian herstory and community archiving. She co-founded the Fridays in May: Queer BIPOC Peer-Networking program and leads the ALISE Innovative Pedagogy Special Interest Group. Her work extends to managing editor roles at Sinister Wisdom and series editing the Litwin Books/ Library Juice Press series on Gender and Sexuality in Information Studies.
Education:
- MLS in Archiving and Records Management, Queens College
- MFA in Creative Writing/Fiction, Queens College
- BS in Queer Women’s Studies, CUNY Baccalaureate Program
Her recent publications include Grabbing Tea volumes 1 and 2 (2024), as well as articles exploring intersections of queer activism, archiving, and pedagogy. She has received the 2020 WGSS Award for her work archiving the Salsa Soul Sisters, the first lesbian of color organization in the U.S.
At Pratt, she teaches the core Reference and Instruction course collaborating with NYPL’s Jail and Prison Services. Her professional roles include past positions as Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Engagement at NYU Libraries and over 20 years of volunteer work at the Lesbian Herstory Archives.
Her writing combines academic rigor with creative expression, including poetry and zines like Black Lesbians in the 70s and Before. She actively mentors new librarians through ARL and ACRL-NY programs.
