Lunds universitet/Avdelningen för ABM och digitala kulturer
Abstract
Our aim is to study if and how LGBTIQ has been made invisible in the public library context, and how this can be countered. In order to do this, we have studied the public library of Hallonbergen, located in Sundbyberg, Sweden. Hallonbergen is the first library in Sweden certificated by RFSL (The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights). The certificate shows that they have a good working environment for their employees and a respectful treatment of their patrons from an LGBTIQ perspective. Our purpose is to create a deeper understanding of how norms related to gender and sexuality appear in a public library context. Our intention is to further explore the LGBTIQ-focused work the public library of Hallonbergen has done while working with their certification, in order to be able to discuss how public libraries can include LGBTIQ in their daily work. In order to examine heterosexuality as a norm, to take a critical stance towards how dichotomies (e.g. men/women, heterosexuality/homosexuality) are reproduced, and to consider how LGBTIQ topics can be organized in libraries (both physically and digitally), we use a theoretical framework including queer theory and knowledge organization theory. We use a qualitative method, and our main sources of information have been interviews and studies of the public library of Hallonbergen – both as physical and digital place. We have interviewed four people, who have been involved in Hallonbergen’s certification process in various ways. We chose these people because we hoped to gain a broader perspective than just the experiences from the library staff alone. As we acknowledge the library as place as important to our understanding of the LGBTIQ work at the public library of Hallonbergen, we have chosen to do ethnographic studies of the library in addition to our interviews, including observations, field notes and photos. We have come to the conclusion that in order to serve all patrons, public libraries ought to critically examine their own practice. LGBTIQ certification is one way among others to fulfill this ambition. While discussing LGBTIQ issues, libraries can abandon common structures and create an environment designed to include everyone and not only those belonging to dominant social groups. This will benefit the LGBTIQ community as well as other groups that seek information and further knowledge on LGBTIQ issues. Altogether, it offers good opportunities for all patrons to experience a welcoming and open library practice beyond excluding norms
