Music Librarian Diane Steinhaus looks after the listening stations at Wilson Library. After weeks of observation, Steinhaus noticed that almost exclusively men were using the vinyls and turntable equipment and began to feel discouraged.
She started a discussion with Ph.D. student Kelli Smith-Biwer, who researches music technology and gender, and professor Andrea F. Bohlman, who researches the history of sound recording. From this conversation, Vinyl — Gender — Trouble was born.
Looking for help to diversify individuals who use this the libraries equipment, they partnered with the Department of Music and UNC Libraries to present a series that will work to defy gender norms, promote equality in music education and provide necessary resources to give a fair start to women, nonbinary and trans music lovers.
The series will consist of interactive and inclusive workshops on handling vinyl.
“Everything I learned about being a DJ, I learned from a man," said Katlin Sherman, a recent graduate and freelance DJ. "I think it would have had a great impact on me to have a woman there influencing me and teaching me."
Sherman is one of the few female DJs in the Chapel Hill area.
“When I was at a gig, the owners would treat me differently, like I don't know how to set up and they would hover over me like I didn't know what I was doing," Sherman said. "I know what I'm doing. I take the time to perfect my art; I don't just do it for the money.”
While Sherman is an experienced DJ, Smith said one of the biggest barriers that the average woman faces is lack of knowledge on equipment.
“The biggest thing that I see with people who identify as women is fear of their lack of education (on how to use equipment), which is holding them back,“ Smith said. “We want to create a space for an introductory course where people are permitted to not know what's going on and to touch the equipment anyway. We are going to do everything we can to make ourselves and the equipment approachable.”
