Date of Award
Summer 2025
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Studies
First Advisor
Julia López-Robertson
Abstract
The need for and importance of diversity in children's literature is well documented, and this study adds to that body of research by addressing LGBTQIA+ materials in elementary school libraries. This mixed-methods study investigates the attitudes, selection, purchasing, and use of LGBTQIA+ materials written for an elementary school age audience by elementary school librarians in U.S. public schools.
Using a national survey distributed electronically to elementary school librarians, quantitative data from 325 participants were collected to examine the extent to which librarians purchase and use LGBTQIA+ materials. Additionally, qualitative insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 15 survey respondents, offering deeper exploration into librarians’ decision-making processes, attitudes, and perceived barriers regarding LGBTQIA+ resources.
This study is beneficial in a number of ways—this information can be used to create professional development and curriculum for pre-service educators/librarians to increase awareness and efficacy engaging with (or affirming) LGBTQIA+ materials. In addition, it can provide practicing school librarians with the knowledge they need to bolster their confidence and model their practice after other school librarians who successfully use LGBTQIA+ materials in their elementary school libraries.
Rights
© 2025, Valerie Byrd Fort
Recommended Citation
Byrd Fort, V.(2025). LGBTQIA+ Materials in the Elementary School Library – Examining Purchase and Use: A Mixed Methods Approach. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/8479