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Currently attending the #QueersInTheLibrary webinar as part of @CoastIQlitfest #TheCoastIsQueer
Brilliant discussion about libraries as (safe) spaces, gate-keeping, and queerness as a disruption of heteronormativity.
Brilliant discussion about libraries as (safe) spaces, gate-keeping, and queerness as a disruption of heteronormativity.
"What can libraries do to queer or enable queerness?"
Important remarks from a panelist re queering academic libraries: an emphasis on involving students, using small presses & bookshops, rather than focussing entirely on NSS scores and reading lists.
Important remarks from a panelist re queering academic libraries: an emphasis on involving students, using small presses & bookshops, rather than focussing entirely on NSS scores and reading lists.
Disrupting the myth of neutrality is key to this discussion - we remember Section 28 and the damage it has done to (especially) public libraries. PLs are still catching up on cultural representation. We're still reclaiming years of erasure.
"how do we create welcome?"
This not just in regards to LGBTQ+ people, but refugees and asylum seekers as well.
I think that the wider Hostile Environment act is reaching over into this, which is why #LibrariesofSanctuary are so important.
This not just in regards to LGBTQ+ people, but refugees and asylum seekers as well.
I think that the wider Hostile Environment act is reaching over into this, which is why #LibrariesofSanctuary are so important.
We also need to evaluate the systems we are using (e.g. Library of Congress), think about the categories, sub-categories. WHO created them and WHY did they decide on hierarchical systems of cataloguing/organising collections. Are there other non-hierarchical options?
Discussion around tensions of where queer books are & should be within a library space.
Should there be a queer section? Should books be interfiled? Should it be both?
What are the issues around barriers like making books by request only, because of rarity or threat of theft?
Should there be a queer section? Should books be interfiled? Should it be both?
What are the issues around barriers like making books by request only, because of rarity or threat of theft?
Special mention to the issue of getting rare queer books reprinted. There are tensions around protecting rare stock while also wanting it to be as accessible as possible.
Massive issue (as always) is funding, and having (or not having) simple ways to procure/order books to expand, queer & diversify collections.
Queer librarians can't always queer collections because systems are in place to keep collections 'focused' on reading list contents.
I know sometimes the issue is having physical shelf space, and needing to weed out old stock, or making a case for buying heaps of (new) books.
I know sometimes the issue is having physical shelf space, and needing to weed out old stock, or making a case for buying heaps of (new) books.
While there is a hopefulness to libraries, there is still something to aim for. There is still work to do, discussions to have and steps to be taken to be/do 'better'.
And there may not be a goal - a final space where we, as library workers, can 'relax' and stop questioning.
And there may not be a goal - a final space where we, as library workers, can 'relax' and stop questioning.
Throughout this discussion, there is a ringing emphasis that any library is the people who work to create and continue the library. The libraries are not just collection of books, but very much the workers who add and shape the library.
An example is a flyer from a demo with boot prints on them because it was picked up from the ground to then be added to the library - who did that? What else did they do with the library at the time?
The discussion is also talking about wanting to queer libraries and being faced with having to package it as a money-generating exercise, or as a box needing to be ticked towards management without that being 'our' goal.
It's been a pleasure to watch this webinar, and think about all the different things brought up in this discussion. There are definitely a couple things I'll have to go back to at a later time to be able to reflect on, and take them in properly.
Thank you to all the panellists!
Thank you to all the panellists!
