LGBTQ*

In order to build and maintain a healthy community, members need to understand their past. The Transgender Archives at the University of Victoria Libraries is home to the world's largest collection of trans, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse history. In December 2019, we proudly launched an online discovery tool to search our collection of publications, which include articles written by trailblazing community members, and historical events that shaped trans activism and history. In this presentation, Michael Radmacher (MLIS, MA) and Shahira Khair (M.Sc, MIS) will tell the story of this project, and will offer a demonstration of the new discovery tool.

Bring your rainbow flags and glitter, and come on out for Pride Month celebrations at the library. Learn how and why your library can participate, what others in the province are already doing, and about some of the resources available to support staff and community members alike. This session will begin with a very brief primer on terminology and etiquette for working with the LGBTQ+ community, context about Pride celebrations, and recent highlights from Alberta communities. Library-specific content will cover ideas for Pride month programs and community participation, and ways to ensure your library is welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community year-round through staff training, policies, facilities and programs. 

Description: Explore how the Graphic Novel is an often-misunderstood yet extremely versatile format that facilitates uniquely stirring forms of expression. Explore a variety of Graphic Novels to suit any age and interest.
Abstract: Discover the many different faces of this versatile and often overlooked storytelling format. Participants will learn about different genres of Graphic Novels for all ages, including literary, biographical, non-fiction, historical, award-winners, LGBTQ, manga, and more. Examples will be examined with suggestions for school librarians & teachers, reluctant readers, and those who seek out a sophisticated read. Examine an excerpt from a Graphic Novel that might challenge you conceptions of the format.
 
Learning Objectives:

• Give fresh consideration to Graphic Novels and their broad appeal for library patrons, students, and people of all ages and interests
• Discover different genres of graphic novels and consider the classification of Graphic Novel as a format vs. a genre
• Examine a Graphic Novel excerpt more in-depth and challenge potential preconceptions about the format

 
Target audience: Librarians, Library Staff (Public and School)
 
Tags: comics, graphic novels, manga, readers advisory, web-comics, formats, genres, fnmi, lgbtq, libraries, teaching, reading, books, classification, preconceptions, excerpts, patrons, reluctant readers,

This session aims to inspire dialogue around library policies and practices, in all library sectors, that support sexual and gender minorities. Session themes include the historic struggles of LGBTQ* minorities, rainbow terminology, LGBTQ* library information needs, library barriers, and access challenges for inclusive services and space. There is a powerful symbolic message in library services for LGBTQ* communities – there’s something for everyone at the library and power in the universal library message of inclusivity.
Learning objectives:

• Understand the histories and complexities of LGBTQ* minorities
• Understand rainbow terminology
• Understand historical barriers and access challenges for LGBTQ* communities
• Recognize the power of the universal library message of inclusivity