The goal of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) special interest group is to address the information needs of LGBTQ+ community members related to library services, programs or collections.

To raise awareness of specific issues in professional knowledge about LGBTQ+ lives, we provide opportunities to engage in discussions about this often invisible user group, and offer tools to librarians and library staff who are considering the legal environment of where they live.

We also highlight the supporting role of libraries in building one’s identity and capacity. By creating access to collections, safe spaces and services, we support LGBTQ+ community members as they question, construct and affirm who they are and who they wish to be.

For non-LGBTQ+ people, this SIG is a means to encourage meetings and conversations, by encouraging the expression of individuals, so everyone can develop their own opinion, citizens can act and re-enter the public debate, and libraries can play a positive political role, which is more than necessary in our societies today.

The LGBTQ+ SIG i supports and encourages libraries to consider topics such as:

  • How to address the LGBTQ+ community: professional attitudes, outreach, privacy, programming.
  • How to acquire and collect materials of importance to LGBTQ+ people and their allies. This includes literature, academic texts, materials of importance to LGTBQ+ youth and families, and other works that encourage thinking critically about issues of sexuality and gender identity.
  • How to raise awareness on these topics in the professional field and build a strong professional network of librarians and library staff who work on these issues and related topics.

Dialogue to support librarians and library staff in addressing concerns raised about LGBTQ+ library services is also encouraged within the SIG.

We work with other SIGs and Sections according to the themes raised, especially with: Women Information and Libraries SIG; New professionals SIG; Indigenous Matters Section; Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section; and Library Services to People with Special Needs Section.

Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness, offer support and information, and encourage dialogue about LGBTQ+ lives, so all community members and library staff can thrive and be heard.

To join the LGBTQ SIG or for questions, comments or suggestions, you can contact us by email at ifla.lgbtq[at]gmail.com.

This unit is sponsored by the Acquisition and Collection Development Section.
This unit is part of the Professional Division F.