The power of inclusive practices in academic libraries for LGBTQIA+ communities

Abstract

This research investigates the experiences of LGBTQIA+ academic library patrons with reference librarians and other staff to identify strategies for improving services and communication. Through qualitative interviews with ten LGBTQIA+ students at a Southeastern university, findings highlight positive and negative interactions with library staff, focusing on factors such as body language, language use, and implicit biases. The research identifies key barriers, including outdated cataloging practices, limited visible LGBTQIA+ support, and discomfort in approaching staff. It emphasizes the importance of proactive librarian engagement through inclusive language, cultural humility training, and outreach to LGBTQIA+ student organizations. Participants recommend libraries host relevant events, expand LGBTQIA+-focused resources, and improve structural processes like name change procedures. Findings addresses critical research gaps, such as the limited exploration of LGBTQIA+ students' experiences in academic libraries and the absence of detailed analyses of librarian behaviors reflecting cultural humility. By investigating these gaps, findings contribute to understanding how librarian-patron dynamics, including power imbalances, influence students' comfort and access to resources. Findings conclude that fostering inclusive practices and positive librarian-student relationships is vital for reducing information barriers and enhancing the library experience for LGBTQIA+ patrons.