materials. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 53(2), 104-107.
https://doi-org.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/10.5860/rusq.53n2.104
This article by Karen Antell, Molly Strothmann, and Jennifer Downey, discusses librarian
self-censorship in regards to LGBT materials. It asks questions such as, "how do we catch
ourselves when we begin to self-censor?" "how do we prevent it?" and "Is it ever possible to
remove our own beliefs from our decision-making about our collections?" Studies have shown
that a vast majority of librarians from small and large communities, urban and rural, from red
states and blue states, lack high-quality and comprehensive LGBT collections.
The article goes on to discuss how self-censorship happens in private and is the result of a
debate that mainly takes place in your head. There are many traps described in the article such
as "it's hard to find LGBT-themed books," "these books don't circulate," "what will people say
about me?" "there aren't any (or many) LGBT people in my community," and "I don't have any
more money in my budget." Again, these traps are excuses that may disguise a librarian who is
censoring, but librarians have a responsibility to put their own fears and prejudices aside. They
need to ask themselves some tough questions and be honest with themselves. It is important
for librarians to be courageous and speak for those who may not be heard. The first place to
start would be from within.
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