make sure your local studies collection is inclusive

There has been a lot of discussion about representation in knitting, on Instagram and twitter, following a presentation by Lorna Hamilton-Brown at the recent In the loop #intheloop10 conference.  Videos like the one below are an example of people sharing stories so that history is more accurate.  I am really enjoying these stories. I am hoping some libraries will collect them.

#blackknittersofinstagram it is so important that we capture our knitting histories as very little is written. Listen to my 86 year old mum talking about knitting in #jamaica and in #50s #britain. Ask your parents how they learnt to knit, what they made? Many of the men knitted to. Please share you finding with me do I can build on my research. Do not let these knitting stories go to the grave unheard. Do you have photos of items knitted my your parents. Please share these as well 💙 . #mothersanddaughters #blackgirlsknit #knittingwhileblack #diversknitty #blackpeopledoknit #caribbeanknitter #crocusbag #flourbag #oralhistory #hiddenhistory #blackdiaspora #nosubtitles #patois @jeanettesloan @ggmadeit @saharabriscoe #writinghistory #blackmenknit #blackgirlscrochet #knittersofinstagram #knittinghistory

A post shared by Lorna Hamilton-Brown (@lhamiltonbrown) on Aug 3, 2018 at 10:05am PDT

These stories may also be under represented in public libraries.  You may only be collecting local studies information about part of your community, and not, for example recent migrants, people with a disability, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  These are just some examples of people who may not be having their stories and histories included.

The talks from In the loop 10  will be available to watch online soon.

Also - are your library knitting groups inclusive?