Provision of LGBT materials for children and young people in UK public and secondary school libraries Elizabeth L. Chapman University of Sheffield / Enfield Libraries

Definitions LGBT = lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans Trans = transsexual / transgender / transvestite (

Overview of the presentation Background Aims and objectives Methodology Results –Levels of provision, internet filtering, staff attitudes, availability of materials Conclusions Recommendations

Background Based on two MA dissertations: –Provision of LGBT-related fiction to children and young people in public libraries. (Chapman, 2007) 07/External/Chapman_Elizabeth_MALib.pdf –An investigation into lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) provision in secondary school libraries in the UK. (Wright, 2007) Available from the author:

Background Little UK research on LGBT provision for children and young people in either school or public libraries 5-7% of the population estimated to be lesbian/gay/bisexual Many people know they are LGBT from a young age Number of LGBT-headed families rising 27% of a typical classroom…

Background High level of homophobic bullying in schools High suicide rate among lesbian/gay teenagers Heterosexism in schools

Background Statutory duty to meet “any special requirements of both adults and children” (1964 Public Libraries Act) Also recommended by CILIP Need for a whole-school approach to tackle homophobic bullying (DfES, NUT) Now illegal to discriminate (Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007)

Background Books and other materials can: –provide practical information and identity affirmation (Ross et al., 2006) –broaden straight students’ view of the world and of sexuality (Clyde & Lobban, 2001)

Aims and objectives of the research Public libraries Overview of provision across the UK Fiction holdings in two case study authorities Staff opinions on LGBT fiction for under-18s Opinions of LGBT young people and parents Recommendations School libraries Access to different types of resources Promotion of resources Attitudes of school librarians and other staff members Role of library in combating bullying Recommendations

Methodology: public libraries Mixed-method approach Two case studies Checklist study of stock Questionnaire: UK library staff Focus groups –LGBT young people –LGBT parents –Library staff

Methodology: school libraries Mixed-method approach Questionnaire Three case studies Interviews with school librarians/staff questions for prominent persons

Results

Level of provision Low levels of provision – Public libraries: case study libraries had fewer items than Brighton & Hove (control) – Public libraries: low level of provision nationally? – School libraries: LGBT items less than 1% of the collection – School libraries: 1 book per 58 students

Level of provision Limited range of materials – Few items in alternative formats L, G, B and T? –School libraries: limited bisexual and trans titles – Public libraries: no trans titles available – Partly due to publishing limitations Location – Public libraries: often held in adult collection

Internet filtering 35% of respondents said their filter blocks LGBT sites In practice, even more sites get filtered: – chat sites – ‘unsuitable content’ (e.g. the word ‘sex’)

Is this deliberate censorship?

Staff attitudes Generally very positive – but… Some reservations: – ‘Lack of demand’ – Not in a school library – Problematic in fee-paying / faith schools? – Age – Fear of complaints However, few complaints in practice Response bias

Availability of materials Limited publication in some areas (especially trans material) Limited UK publications Material does not appear on suppliers’ lists Need for staff awareness

Conclusions Room for improvement in both school and public libraries Attitudes in both studies mainly positive (though some concerns e.g. age and complaints) Low availability of materials + lack of staff awareness = censorship by omission

Recommendations Librarians and other staff need to be aware of relevant legislation and the need to provide a service Work with organisations / people who have knowledge of the subject Written stock policy and selection criteria which refer to LGBT materials for under-18s

Recommendations Actively seek out LGBT materials for young people, and lobby publishers for more Variety of materials in different formats Material should not carry age restrictions, and parental consent should not be required Do not allow fear of complaints to dictate purchasing decisions.

The next stage… Any library employees who would like to take part in the next stage of the research would be most welcome!