Item
Diversity Dispatch: Reaching out to LGBT Library Patrons
title
Diversity Dispatch: Reaching out to LGBT Library Patrons
author
Helton, Rae
publisher
Kentucky Libraries
pub year
2010
description
Helton discusses understanding minority patrons’ needs through three strategies: building trust in relationships with library patrons, awareness of the unique information needs of your minority users, and outreach programming. Specifically, these issues are directed to librarians reaching out to LGBT library users in an academic setting. Helton suggests that the librarian truly listen and show genuine interest in every patron, and that only when people feel comfortable asking for assistance will they broach sensitive topics. The second strategy is awareness–not just of the collection, but self-awareness. Listed are several questions to help gauge the librarian’s approach-ability and comfort level when dealing with delicate topics. The final strategy promoted is outreach programming, especially programming that exists outside the sphere of LGBT History month & Pride Month. While programs during this time are important, a library can truly show support of its users outside the predesignated slots allotted to them. Events can be coordinated with other campus groups, and partnering with other community groups is advised. The article ends with an interview with the director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Services Office at U of L and an example of a university librarian creating a special LGBT browsing collection. The office was recently founded, and the interview covers some of the changes that have taken place on the university’s campus during its first year of existence. The browsing collection has helped alleviate some of the barriers to finding LGBT materials in the library when a patron cannot or is not comfortable attaining a librarian’s help.
This article is designed more for university librarians outside the LGBT community, or in libraries that may not be very minority-accessible. However, the strategies for connecting with patrons are useful for any librarian serving a community that does not reach out uninvited to the library attempting to meet their needs.
This article is designed more for university librarians outside the LGBT community, or in libraries that may not be very minority-accessible. However, the strategies for connecting with patrons are useful for any librarian serving a community that does not reach out uninvited to the library attempting to meet their needs.
Audience Education Level
temporal
reviewer
Katie Arthur
links to
None