Ellen Greenblatt

This volume is a sequel of sorts to Cal Gough and Ellen Greenblatt's Gay and Lesbian Library Service (1990). It covers the same ground as its predecessor, updating and expanding topics, as well as introducing new ones--most notably the impact of internet technologies and access for library services and patrons. There's a little bit of something for everyone!

The book is well organized and easy to navigate, with a good index. Unfortunately, its size and the tightness of the binding make it a little unwieldy to hold comfortably with one hand, but the text is not especially small, so it is easy to read.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the breadth and, to a lesser extent, the depth of the collection. Any anthology is going to vary in quality across its contents somewhat, but these are with one exception very readable and informative chapters and profiles. There are a few minor typographical errors, including the hilariously appropriate 'lisbian'. (p82)

The highlight of the book for me was James LaRue's thoughtful letter to a parent who had challenged library material. His considered response should be mandatory reading for all librarians and library students, as it clearly, rationally and unequivocally lays out the case for why his library felt the book needed to be included, while respecting the complainant's values. Thankfully, the letter is also available to read on LaRue's blog.

Recommended… (altro)

This collection of essays and profiles is primarily by and for librarians. Topics include collection development, cataloging, LGBTIQ staff, serving LGBTIQ patrons, LGBTIQ archives, and censorship. In particular, it covers both external challenges to holdings or their placement, and the more subtle issue of self-censorship. Some of the essays and profiles are eminently readable accounts of experiences at specific libraries (e.g. When Collection Development Leads to Staff Development: The Transgender Resource Collection). Others are not as well-written, or come across as simple pleas. Only one was so poorly written that it was unreadable (Integrating LGBTIQ Representations Across the Library and Information Sciences Curriculum: A Strategic Framework for Student-Centered Interventions). Contributions come from small towns and large cities from all parts of the US, as well as Ontario, Alberta, and the Netherlands. Not surprisingly, every section includes a list of references, and many include bibliographies or lists of community or online resources. I wouldn't say the book is designed to be read cover to cover, but it's worth a close look by anyone involved in the operations of a library or archive. It will raise relevant, actionable topics and offer resources and advice for following through.… (altro)

It's very hard to get both breadth and depth in an set of collected essays, but I think Serving LGBTIQ Library and Archives Users does a good job. The book is divided into seven sections: New Communities and Connections; Libraries--Contexts and Venues; Archives; Collection Development; Bibliographic Access; Censorship of LGBTIQ Resources; and Professional Concerns--Workplace Issues, Library Education, Organizations, and Networking. Each section has scholarly and personal essays -- the latter are a particularly nice touch.

Some of the essays in this collection are very basic 101-type introductions to queer issues. These are great for folks who are just beginning to delve into these subjects, and the rest of us can always stand to check in and make sure we haven't missed any new resources in library-land. The other essays range from practical to philosophical (I really enjoyed the two pieces on the philosophy of classification), with a nice mix-in of personal experience.

As an archivist, I'm particularly glad to see an "Archives" section that has an essay from a donor. tatiana de la tierra's "Inside the Files of This Has No Name" is a glimpse into the side of a collection we rarely get to see: the emotional and lived context of the papers themselves. I'd happily read an entire anthology of such essays. Similarly, the three histories of LGBTIQ professional groups are excellent context for those of us relatively new to the field.… (altro)