Radical Reference

My curiosity got the best of me when I read the email forwarded through CMRLS about an upcoming Western Massachusetts Radical Reference meeting. Are the Berkshires filled with radical librarians, decked out in tie-dye shirts and plotting an overthrow of traditional reference practice? According to the national website, "Radical Reference originated as a service provided by volunteer library workers from all over the United States to assist demonstrators and activists at the convergence surrounding the Republican National Convention in New York City August 29-September 2, 2004. We are evolving, expanding our services, and continuing to utilize our professional skills and tools to answer information needs from the general public, independent journalists, and activists."

So, being curious, I had to check it out...this interactive site is loaded with blog posts on a variety of subjects, links to online reference tools, a wiki and both answered and unanswered questions submitted by librarians, activists and journalists. They have a dream list of future projects you can get involved in, and there's also some discussion about expanding services to include outreach to teens and schools. It doesn't matter what your political affiliation is, just browse around and see what piques your interest!