New Research Article: “They Kind of Rely on the Library: School Librarians Serving LGBT Students”
The following article was published late last week on the The Journal of Research on Libraries and Young Adults (JRLYA) web site.
JRLYA is published by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
Title
They Kind of Rely on the Library’: School Librarians Serving LGBT Students
Author
Shannon M. Oltmann
University of Kentucky
Source
The Journal of Research on Libraries and Young Adults
ISSN: 2157-3980
Vol. 7, No. 1
March 2016
Abstract
This research examines school librarians’ perspectives on collecting LGBT materials.
Based on qualitative interviews with thirty-one school librarians, this project found generally strong support for collecting LGBT materials. School librarians discussed serving their communities, having resources for all students, and meeting the needs of diverse students. In addition, they shared several ways that school libraries can counter bullying: creating a bully-free zone in the library, collecting LGBT and anti-bullying materials, collaborating with guidance counselors and teachers, suggesting particular books for certain students, being a supporter of students, and positioning the school library as a safe space.
Direct to Full Text (HTML Version) ||| PDF Version (21 pages)
Also in March 2016 issue of The Journal of Research on Libraries and Young Adults…
Filed under: Interviews, Libraries, News, Public Libraries, School Libraries

About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com. Gary is also the co-founder of infoDJ an innovation research consultancy supporting corporate product and business model teams with just-in-time fact and insight finding.