School Libraries and Diversity of LGBTQ+ Voice: A Study of Equity and Practice

Learn about how this study investigated the collection development process in school libraries and the environment of school libraries as it pertains to the collection of materials with LGBTQ+ themes and characters. Hear about how the study determined the willingness of school librarians to purchase materials with LGBTQ+ themes and characters and surveyed their purchases of the Stonewall award-winning titles. The environment of the library was also investigated to deepen an understanding of resources put into place for school libraries to feel more welcoming and inviting to students who identify as LGBTQ+. The study was sent to school librarians nationwide and found that for school librarians who participate in professional development in areas about students who identify as LGBTQ+, there is a positive correlation in the number of Stonewall titles on the shelf. The study also identified the importance of collection development processes and the factors school librarians felt were most important in developing their collection.