Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning Users Special Interest Group

International discussions surrounding diversity are paramount to the library profession. One patron group that commonly is overlooked, even during these conversations, is our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) library users. Inviting professionals from around the world to discuss their local efforts in providing access and fulfilling information needs to this patron population is the initial goal of our new LGBTQ Users SIG. Not only will effective practices be conveyed, but also the importance and impact that libraries have on these populations will be discussed.

Sub Themes:

• Library as a safe space
• Collection Development
• Responding to book challenges
• Partnerships with Community Organizations
• Promoting Inclusion
• Library Ally 101
• Defining LGBTQ in an International Context
• Legal Implications of Non-Heterosexual Sexualities and Queer Identities

The LGBTQ Users SIG will seek submissions for presenting in Lyon from a wide array of professionals. Public, academic, special, and school librarians who have experience addressing any of the above themes are highly encouraged to apply and share with the larger library community.

It is hoped that all presenters will be able to prepare a formal paper, as well as a PowerPoint presentation, however IFLA realizes that it may be impractical to require that every speaker prepare a formal paper and PowerPoint slides. If that is the case, those speakers must prepare a substantial abstract, including references with URLs and bibliographies to accompany their presentation. All selected papers will have abstracts and links to full papers on the conference website. Presentations can be made in any of the official IFLA languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, but an accompanying translation of all papers into English must be provided. Discussion at the conclusion of the presentations will be highly encouraged.

Important Dates with which to comply:

31 January 2014 – Deadline for submitting 300 word proposals for papers and presentations, or substantial abstracts of 500 words if no paper will be prepared, plus a brief biographical statement of speaker(s).

Information should include: title of presentation; subthemes that it addresses, abstract, all authors, noting likely presenter; institutional affiliations; contact information, including all email addresses.

28 February 2014 – Announcement of final program and communication with all who submit proposals. IFLA HQ notified of outcome from call.

1 May 2014 – Deadline for submission of final paper. Papers should be no more than 3,000 words and papers can be submitted in any of the official IFLA languages: Arabic, Chinese, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Russian, but an accompanying translation of all papers into English must be provided. Attempts will be made to provide translations into other official languages.

30 June 2014 – Deadline for all PowerPoint presentations from Speakers

June/July 2014 – All speakers will be notified of the time of the program.

Proposals will be reviewed by a jury composed of members of the LGBTQ Users SIG, generously being hosted by the Acquisitions and Collection Development Section.

All submissions and any questions should be sent via email to ifla.lgbtq@gmail.com by 31 January 2014. The receipt of all submissions will be acknowledged.