[SEO-Members] LGBTQ+ Labels

[Jason Wells-Jensen]

Although it's not my department as such, I'm agreeing with Christopher
Simmons -- both in principle and based on what I've heard from other
colleagues.

jwj

*Jason Wells-Jensen* *(he/him)*

*Catalog Librarian*

*Wood County District Public Library*

*251 North Main Street*

*Bowling Green, Ohio 43402*

*(419) 352-5104 | wcdpl.org <http://wcdpl.org>*


On Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 4:38 PM Christopher Simmons via SEO-Members <
seo-members at lists.oplin.org> wrote:

> 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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