ERIC Number: EJ1240223
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Jan
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0010-0870
EISSN: N/A
Perceptions of Academic Librarians toward LGBTQ Information Needs: An Exploratory Study
College & Research Libraries, v81 n1 p122-148 Jan 2020
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.
Descriptors: Academic Libraries, Librarians, Librarian Attitudes, LGBTQ People, Information Needs, Knowledge Level, Social Bias, Self Efficacy, Familiarity, Vocabulary, Training, Responsibility
Association of College and Research Libraries. 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611. e-mail: acrl@ala.org; Web site: http://crl.acrl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A