influences on LGBTQ+ library collections study

 A small but mature body of literature around LGBTQ+ library collections is available to researchers and practitioners. Using a novel method – the parallel synthesis scoping review – the authors have incorporated artificial-intelligence-enabled topic modelling into the traditional scoping review method to explore the underlying factors influencing the collection of LGBTQ+ materials in libraries. Parallel synthesis led to a framework charting stakeholders against an Outreach ↔ Censorship Continuum. It includes 16 forms of censorship and outreach, and 8 underlying influences that encourage behaviors towards either censorship or outreach. The authors further find that the framework is a manifestation of a struggle between two competing visions of safe spaces, in which librarians have used many strategies to resist censorship and ensure that their collections provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ library patrons.

Morris, M., Stevens, G., & Siegal, J. (2025, Feb.). I can’t even read straight’: Exploring the influences on LGBTQ+ library collections through an artificial-intelligence-mediated parallel-synthesis-scoping-review approach. IFLA Journal. DOI: 10.1177/03400352241310614

Trans Collection Development Study

A recent study examined collection development as it pertains to LGBTQIA+ books, with an emphasis on trans books. The researcher collected data via surveys, comparing a “control” list of books to a list of books that focused on trans topics.

This research found that many schools under-collected trans material, compared to other materials that featured non-LGBTQIA+ characters, while admitting that “some libraries in the state do have robust collections of trans material, but access to trans books varies widely across the state, and some students have poor access. This poor access amounts to inequitable service.” The researcher suggests that more research should be done on both how to improve collections of trans material in cities or states that are more hostile to the subject matter, and additional research that considers the perspectives of trans youth as well. To further investigate school librarian’s attitudes Bowman suggests interviews that could “confirm whether or not knowing a trans student impacts how librarians feel about trans books.”

Bowman, R. (2024). Good Intentions and Poor Collections: The Attitudes of School Librarians in One Southeastern State on Trans Material and Library Holdings. School Library Research, 27.  https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/bowman.pdf

LGBTQIA+ literature for youth

A recent study identified and categorized published empirical research on LGBTQIA+ topics in school and youth librarianship and identify and categorize gaps in that research to propose focuses for future research studies. The key finding was that little research has examined LGBTQIA+ inclusive school library services for youth.

Spiering, J., Santos Green, L., & Bowman, J. (2023). "LGBTQIA+ Inclusive School Library Research: A Systematic Literature Review." School Library Research 26. https://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/pubs/slr/vol26/spiering-et%20al.pdf

Study on access to controversial library materials

A national study identified patterns in library resources and content, especially as they relate to political preferences, state laws, and book bans. the researcher found that:

• ·         Libraries in low-income areas have lower staffing levels and less up-to-date collections. 
• ·         Access to controversial content is related to local political environments. 
• ·         Book challenges may have chilling effects on the acquisition of LGBTQ+ content. 

Mumma, K. (2023). Politics and school libraries: What shapes students’ access to controversial content. Brookings. 

https://wheelockpolicycenter.org/high-quality-education/school-libraries/

 

LGBT challenges

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youths in middle and high school encounter more difficulties and are less likely to graduate than their peers, according to a recent report. Data also show that many teachers and staff in schools feel unprepared to address the challenges faced by the students.
Greytak, E. et al. (2016). From teasing to torment: School climate revisited. New York, NY: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.
https://www.glsen.org/sites/default/files/TeasingtoTorment%202015%20FINAL%20PDF%5B1%5D_0.pdf

Talking about LGBT issues

In many school districts, the classroom is still a difficult place for LGBT students and teachers, according to a recent report. The report covers a variety of challenges LGBT students encounter, including restrictions on LGBT student groups, bullying, and discrimination from classmates and school staff members, and exclusion of LGBT topics from curricula—with an overall conclusion that many U.S. public schools are still unwelcoming to LGBT students and teachers. The report offers recommendations to state legislators, state departments of education, and school administrators to make school environments more welcoming to LGBT students and staff, including repealing laws that prohibit discussion of LGBT issues in schools; enacting laws to protect students and staff members from discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity; creating school policies and curricula that explicitly include LGBT people; and enforcing protections against bullying.
Human Rights Watch.  (2016). Like Walking Through a Hailstorm. New York, NY: Human Rights Watch.
https://www.hrw.org/report/2016/12/07/walking-through-hailstorm/discrimination-against-lgbt-youth-us-schools

study: nonheterosexual youth punished more frequently

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students are punished up to three times more than their heterosexual peers, says a new study. "The key finding of the study is that gay and bisexual youth are being punished more than straight peers," says Kathryn E. W. Himmelstein, who coauthored the study. "And that's not because they're misbehaving more." The study is yet another example of why libraries are so crucial in the lives of LGBT kids who are looking for safe havens to find the materials and resources they need.
Pediatrics, 2011, Criminal-Justice and School Sanctions Against Nonheterosexual Youth: A National Longitudinal Study