School Librarians' Comfort and Values in Supporting LGBTQ-Inclusive Literature in Rural Schools

• In Event: Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: Investigating the Influence of K–12 Educator Perceptions on Curriculum and Practice

Abstract

This survey research describes school librarians’/media specialists’ comfort levels in integrating literature with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBT) characters or themes into library holdings, events and promotions, and pleasure reading recommendations. Relationships between teachers’ comfort levels in doing this work and characteristics such as age, community size, and religious belief are discussed. Availability of supportive resources such as gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and the need for partnerships with other school personnel are examined.

Author

• Michelle L. Page, University of Minnesota - Morris