Connecting with the LGBT+ community: diversity and inclusion at the City of Gold Coast Libraries [slides]

ALIA Library

Creator
Walduck, Amy
Description

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare
 
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) supports the talk from City of Gold Coast Libraries which created an LGBT+ Collection for LGBTIQAP+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, Pansexual and other identities) community members. The collection is a handpicked selection of new and recommended resources and includes print, multimedia and digital items driven by feedback and suggestions from our members.
 
When developing the collection it was important to consider not only the titles to purchase, many of which already existed within our collection, but also the access needs of all our LGBTIQAP+ members. Whilst it is important to visually represent the collection within the physical and online library it was also essential to understand how our members choose to engage with the collection. Some members are proud to browse the LGBT+ collection within the library while others prefer to be more discreet requesting via the online catalogue or consuming eresources only.
 
Implementing this special collection was a collaborative effort across the City of Gold Coast library network with staff overwhelmingly supportive of the new collection. A team of staff volunteered to become LGBT+ champions and participated in a pilot program of awareness training that was subsequently rolled out network wide. LGBT+ staff champions are identified within branches by wearing rainbow lanyards providing a visual symbol of inclusivity to LGBTIQAP+ members and a safe person to talk to.

Publisher
Deakin, ACT: Australian Library and Information Association
Contributor
City of Gold Coast
Date
2018
Type
Format
Language
en
Relation
https://read.alia.org.au/asia-pacific-library-and-information-conference-2018-conference-program
Coverage
Australia