Altobelli, R., & Lambert, N. J. (2022). LGBTQ-Inclusive Collections: School Librarian Self-Reflections    

            And Collection Development Guide. Knowledge Quest, 50(4), 22+.             

            https://link-gale-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/apps/doc/A697577817/PROF?u=csusj&sid=

            bookmark-PROF&xid=130d040d

Summary

In recent years school libraries have been experiencing an increase in book challenges, especially books with LGBTQ+ themes. This article hopes to supply librarians with the tools that they need to be confident when making decisions about adding these books to the collection and learning to defend them when necessary.

The article begins with some basic vocabulary around gender identity, gender expression, sex, attraction and sexual orientation, and gives resources for additional information, explores stereotypes, and discusses the importance of having a safe space for LGBTQ+ students. Several links to recommended book lists and award lists are given for easy reference. The author reminds us that when adding to the collection, it is also  necessary to examine the current collection and remove books that are incorrect or out of date, and this includes incorrect information about legal matters or health issues.

Adding books with LGBTQ+ representation to the library collection helps to increase visibility. Reading these books can help students identify with characters who are like them or who are like their friends.  Part of having an inclusive collection means that the collection will have a variety of different perspectives available to all. 

Review

This article was clearly written and well researched.  It explains the reasons why an inclusive collection should contain LGBTQ+ books and gives resources for librarians to seek out good books (both fiction and non-fiction).  Adding these books to our collections is vital, because it is stated that about half of all students have trouble finding LGBTQ+ books in their school library.  We need to support our students and give them what they need and want to read. Remember that by reading these students will find people they identify with, or people they see in their lives, and we want to continue to provide those doors and windows to see and walk through.

I enjoyed this article and feel it gives good information. The resources provided are good ones to keep on hand and help to further research on the subject.