LibGuides: Professional Development for Delaware Library Staff: Services for Members of the LGBTQ+ Community

Customer Service Standards

Safety - Provide a safe environment for staff and public, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and physical well-being.

Courtesy - Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Knowledge - Be aware of library policies, procedures, and resources.

Efficiency - Provide accurate and timely service with the best use of tangible and intangible resources.

Summary - WJ Competency Index

Services to Underserved Populations [Patrons with Diverse Needs] is not listed as a separate competency in the Competency Index for the Library Field, but it is noted in Public Service Competencies - Adult and Older Adult Services (pages 39 & 41), Children's Services (pages 46 & 49), and Young Adult Services (page 56). Staff who provides services to underserved populations:

Define and implement outreach services for the library community to reach underserved populations.

DDL Contacts

Sarena Deglin

Online Learning

Delaware Libraries LGBTQ+ LibGuide
First Tuesdays: Reimagining Transgender 'Inclusion' for Libraries
Washington State Library, June 2018
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Are you interested in increasing your understanding of transgender issues, changing your use of gendered language, and thinking about your library's policies of inclusion? This session focuses on providing a basic understanding of the rich variety of gender identities and experiences, best practices for working with transgender patrons and communities, and tips on where to begin thinking about the impact of library policies on queer and transgender people. Participants will be introduced to trans-inclusive language and basic concepts of gender and sexuality, improved services for transgender patrons, and the opportunity to move beyond basic respect and inclusion to affirmation and representation. This session is appropriate for all types of library and public service workers and will give you practical tips, tools and takeaways to improve your interactions and services for transgender patrons and co-workers. Presented by Sunny Kim, Micah Kehrein, Bean Yogi, Seattle Public Library & Reed Garber-Pearson, University of Washington.

Collection Development

Gay Straight Alliance (GSA)

ALA: GLBTRT Resources Committee Gay-Straight Alliance Resources Guide
Compiled by Marian Mays, Programming Librarian, Butte-Silver Bow Public Library
GSA Network Advisor Handbook
This handbook includes an introduction to GSAs, sample activities, frequent issues that arise, and some thoughts on the various roles an advisor might play
Starting a GSA at Your School
You can make a difference! LGBTQ+ student-led clubs and GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliances) are leading the work to create safe and LGBTQ-inclusive schools, and student organizers are the nation’s most powerful base for creating change. Along with providing space to organize, GSAs are spaces where students can receive support, socialize, and find community together.
Queer-Straight Alliances in Public Libraries: Serving LGBTQ Youth (Prezi)
Bringing the Queer support and social group out of highschools and into your public library.
by Michael Cruickshank on 27 February 2017

Gender Identity

ALA Statement Affirming the Rights of Transgender People
Trans Inclusion in LIS Presenter List
List of people who can give presentations, lead trainings, consult, or otherwise provide information on how libraries can be more inclusive of people of all gender identities.
Trans Journalists Association Style Guide

Gender Neutral Restrooms

Do Not Go Gentle into That Gender Neutral Bathroom
by Julia Pyatetsky, Public Libraries Online, June 7, 2016
Equal Access to Public Restrooms
Transgender Rights Toolkit: A Legal Guide For Trans People and Their Advocates. From Lamda Legal, February 1, 2011
A Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers - OSHA
Gender Neutral Bathrooms in Libraries (PDF)
Jane Sandberg, Approved by the GLBTRT Resources Committee, Last revised: October 16, 2014
Libraries and Gender Neutral / Inclusive Bathrooms: Case Studies on Promoting Information, Inclusivity and Access in Open Spaces
PUN, Raymond and FLASH, Kenya S. and NANGLE, Dennis and HERNANDEZ PEREZ, Jonathan (2017) Libraries and Gender Neutral / Inclusive Bathrooms: Case Studies on Promoting Information, Inclusivity and Access in Open Spaces. Paper presented at: IFLA WLIC 2017 – Wrocław, Poland – Libraries. Solidarity. Society. in Session 113 - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Users.
Libraries as Safe Spaces for LGBT+ Patrons
by Anthony Aycock, Information Today, April 2018
Libraries Create Gender-Neutral Bathrooms: Patrons who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming find a safe space at many libraries
by Megan Cottrell, American Libraries, October 30, 2015.
Restroom Access for Transgender Employees
Human Rights Campaign
Transgender People and Bathroom Access
National Center for Transgender Equality, 2016
University of Rhode Island - Hot Topic: Gender Neutral Bathrooms: Home

Additional Resources

Gender Spectrum
Offering education and training to increase understandings of gender and consider the implications that evolving views have for each of us.
Library Resources for Transgender Topics (University of Minnesota)
This LibGuide compiles resources to help researchers from all disciplines and affiliations locate and identify information on people who identify as transgender. Materials on transgender topics are often difficult to discover; language describing trans identities fluctuates over time and across cultures and regions. This guide helps researchers understand this research ecosystem and identify credible and relevant information sources.
Open to All: Serving the GLBT Community in Your Library (9 April 2016)
Pronouns Matter
Safe Zone Project
LGBTQ+ awareness trainings including activities and curriculum.
Serving LGBTQ+ Customers in Libraries
A guide to educate staff and build awareness to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Prince George's County Memorial Library System [MD] - 2021

Professional Organizations & Groups

LBGTQ+ Library Pages

Selected Bibliography

Lgbtqai+ Books for Children and Teens by Christina Dorr
ISBN: 9780838916490
Publication Date: 2018-05-31
Queer Library Alliance by Rae-Anne Montague (Volume Editor); Lucas McKeever (Volume Editor)
ISBN: 9781634000314
Publication Date: 2016-11-15

Professional Development for Delaware Library Staff: Services for Members of the LGBTQ+ Community