[SEO-Members] LGBTQ+ Labels

[Christopher Simmons]

Hi Melody,

I would actively advise against using any kind of LGBTQ+ labels. While in
theory those labels can be useful for people wanting to read those titles,
I find that they're more often used negatively by people in ways that
libraries don't intend. Labeling items as LGBTQ+ is effectively outing any
patrons looking at them or checking them out, which will dissuade many
patrons from even considering it. The people who generally need or want the
LGBTQ+ titles are less likely to read them if they're labeled as such.
Those titles also become clear targets for challenges. It's become a common
tactic for people to come into a library and check out any books that are
labeled LGBTQ+ with the intent of never returning them, so that the people
who want those titles cannot access them.

I think displays and book lists on bookmarks, fliers, or posters, as well
as linked on the library's website or social media, are more useful for
actual LGBTQ+ readers.

*Christopher Simmons* (He/Him)
Director, Leetonia Community Public Library
330-427-6635
https://www.leetonialibrary.org/


On Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 3:41 PM Melody Flick via SEO-Members <
seo-members at lists.oplin.org> wrote:

> Good afternoon!
>
> Does anyone out there use (or have you used) LGBTQ+ labels for their
> collections? Just wondering what your experience has been, whether positive
> or negative.
>
> [image: Look for LGBT+ Stickers on Fiction Books with LGBT+ Characters! |
> BHS Library]
>
> Thanks,
>
> Melody
> Adult Services Librarian
> Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
> 206 Broadway
> Findlay, OH 45840
> findlaylibrary.org
> 419.422.0576
> mflick at findlaylibrary.org
>
>
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