Faculty and Staff Publications

Perceptions of Academic Librarians toward LGBTQ Information Needs: An Exploratory Study

John Siegel, University of South Carolina - UpstateFollow
Martin Morris, McGill UniversityFollow
Gregg A. Stevens, UMass Chan Medical SchoolFollow

Document Type

Article

Abstract

While previous studies have examined lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) information needs, none have addressed librarian confidence in addressing LGBTQ-themed information needs or the factors affecting this confidence. The authors used a mixed-methods survey to assess the knowledge and perspectives of academic librarians in responding to information inquiries related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Based on an exploratory factor analysis, three variables were identified: duty of care/vulnerability of inquirer, public visibility of work conducted, and personal biases and prejudices. These factors can reduce or otherwise influence the ability to meet LGBTQ information needs.