Addressing the information needs of the transgendered community
June 27th, 2005 by Angie MI was immediately interested in this program as soon as I saw the title. I felt that this specific community was always lumped together with gays, lesbians, and bi-sexuals, yet they have certain information needs that are completely different from the other groups. I was happy to see a fairly large turnout and a very knowledgeable panel.
Many important issues were addressed, but the ones that related the most to public libraries were the following:
Jamie Taylor’s list of “How to make your library trans-safe”
- Allow patrons to state what name goes on their patron record.
- Have at least one bathroom that is unisex; many times these are called “family restrooms.”
- Respect the gender your patron is identifying with.
- Use the correct pronouns with patrons (he, she, his, hers)
- Don’t gossip about someone’s gender or trans-situation (respect privacy)
- Remember there is a difference between GLBT and gay/lesbian
- Acquire and promote GLBT materials
Adam Davis’ collection development tips:
- Get VHS/DVD materials on transgenderism (it’s an easier way to let family and friends understand what this person is going through)
- Make sure all groups are representative in materials (male to female transgenderism is very different from female to male)
- Get a wide variety of materials (anecdotal, health, political)
- Have a bibliography of physical and electronic resources
- Get periodicals with trans-inclusive materials
- Have a list of local community organizations that help transgender people (especially with doctors who are trans-friendly)
I really enjoyed this program because it showed not only how to help this specific community, but how to show respect and have sensitivity for any patron group at your library.
For more information, please go to the GLBTRT website: http://www.ala.org/ala/glbtrt/welcomeglbtround.htm
Tags: ALA2005, conferences
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June 28th, 2005 at 5:37 pm
Uh, actually I was the foul-mouthed panelist who came up with the list of how to make libraries more welcoming for trans people. Jami Taylor defined transgender and talked about her research on mtf info needs.
Thanks for the positive comments, though!