The Slow Movement began in the 1980s as an objection to fast food restaurants in Rome, but it has since been applied to fashion, art, education, and other areas of life. Where modern society pressures us to speed up and become more efficient, the Slow Movement encourages mindfulness, environmental sustainability, intentional practices, deep attention, joy—even a different relationship with time. In this workshop, we will explore what “Slow” can mean for librarians in a range of professional roles. We will also practice some slow activities, including keeping a commonplace book for inspiration, cultivating sensory attention, and framing librarianship in cyclical time rather than linear time. The atmosphere of the workshop will be one of care, creativity, and gentleness as we develop meaningful rituals for our work.
