Chai Wai is an annual series of informational events hosted by the International and Area Studies Library and the Mortenson Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Chai wai” is a Hindi term that translates to “tea or something like that.” Chai Wai events give the campus community an opportunity for enlightened conversation on important global issues. Each panel is informed and guided by a moderator and 3-4 experts or stakeholders in the issue at hand.
2020 Series
The International and Area Studies Library and Mortenson Center for International Library Programs are pleased to bring you a brand new year of Chai Wai cultural salon events. On the third Tuesday of the month we will host lively panel discussions on issues relating to race, social justice, and ways of knowing—with an international twist of course! The kick-off event will be on Tuesday, September 15th from 1-2pm on the topic of “Multiple ways of knowing: Global perspectives on academic libraries re-imagining systems of knowledge”. Events will be hosted on the Zoom platform so be sure to register in advance to get your valid URL to join us. Bring your questions and stories to share and we look forward to seeing you on the third Tuesday of the month!
Knowledge Creation amidst Biased and Entrenched Systems of Academic Publishing
17 November 2020, 4:00-5:00pm CT
Speakers
Laila Hussein, Middle East & North African Studies Librarian, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fran Collyer, Associate Professor, Sociology, University of Sydney
Charlotte Roh, Scholarly Communications Librarian, University of San Francisco
Moderators
Steve Witt, Head, International and Area Studies Library, Director, Center for Global Studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Abstract
Join the International and Area Studies Library for a panel discussion about systems of bias within academic publishing. The panelists will discuss how scholars struggle to create knowledge amidst global structures of inequality and racial bias. Audience questions and participation are encouraged. This online event is free and open to the public.
Reality Bites: Colorism, Caste, and Class in “Indian Matchmaking”
20 October 2020, 1:00-2:00pm CST
Speakers
Dr. Parul Bhandari, Associate Professor & Co-director Center for Learning, Innovation and Pedagogy (CLIP), O.P. Jindal Global University
Preeti Shekar, Radio Producer of Women’s Magazine and APEX Express for KPFA 94.1FM
Dr. Anuja Agrawal, M.A.(J.N.U.), M.Phil.(Delhi), Ph.D.(J.N.U.), Associate Professor in Sociology
Moderators
Mara Thacker, South Asian Studies & Global Popular Culture Librarian, University of Illinois
Abstract
Join the International and Area Studies Library for a lively panel discussion the Netflix show “Indian Matchmaking”, the second in a special Chai Wai event series exploring racism, social justice, and ways of knowing. A multi-disciplinary array of panelists will address issues of gender, class, colorism, and caste in marriage and matchmaking in India through the lens of the show. Audience questions and participation are encouraged. This online event is free and open to the public.
Multiple Ways of Knowing: Global Perspectives on Academic Libraries Re-imagining Systems of Knowledge
September 15, 2020; 1-2:00pm CDT
Speakers
Kanwal Ameen, Professor & Vice-Chancellor, University of Home Economics (Pakistan)
Spencer Lilley, Associate Professor, Massey University (New Zealand)
Ana Ndumu, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, College Park (United States)
Respondent
Paulette A Kerr, Campus Librarian, The University of the West Indies – Mona Campus (Jamaica)
Moderators
Clara M. Chu, Director and Mortenson Distinguished Professor, Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (United States)
Jaya Raju, Professor and Head, Department of Knowledge and Information Stewardship, University of Cape Town (South Africa)
Abstract
This webinar is the first event of the Chai Wai Series: Race, Social Justice, and Ways of Knowing, organized by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, and the International and Areas Studies Library of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. The focus will be “Multiple ways of knowing: Global perspectives on academic libraries re-imagining systems of knowledge,” which is the title of the International Insights column to be published in the October 2020 issue of College & Research Libraries News. The authors will present their column contributions, followed by a response, and a panel discussion.