The following post is one in a regular series on issues of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, compiled by a team of OCLC contributors.
Libraries Northern Ireland defends stocking LGBTQ+ children’s books following complaints
On 2 April 2024, the Gay Community News website, which is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, reported that the Chief Executive of Libraries NI (Northern Ireland) and the chairperson of the Library Board released a statement to defend the presence of LGBTQ+ children’s books in their collection. In the statement, they argued that libraries should “meet the needs of the entire community” by providing “a range of library materials and resources reflecting the diversity of the population and library customers.” The statement comes after Communities Minister Gordon Lyons requested a meeting with the Libraries NI chiefs to discuss the children’s books dealing with LGBTQ+ themes available in their library branches. Minister Lyons said that having these books as part of the collection was “concerning,” adding that “parents should not need to worry” about whether the titles their kids can find in the libraries are age-appropriate or not. Sinn Fein Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Colm Gildernew accused Lyons and others of “an unwarranted and disgraceful attack on an entire section of our children.”
Public libraries everywhere are being forced to debate the importance of maintaining collections that represent diverse communities. It is very important that we continue to support those libraries that provide inclusive materials for their users. Contributed by Morris Levy.
Creating inclusive spaces in cultural heritage institutions with AI
Dr. Piper Hutson of Lindenwood University (OCLC Symbol: MOQ) discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) can help cultural heritage spaces can provide more cognitive inclusion in her webinar “Inclusive Design in Cultural Heritage: Embracing Sensory Processing and Neurodiversity.” The webinar (presented live on 8 April 2024) is available as a recording on the Balboa Park Online Collaborative YouTube channel. Hutson’s design considerations for neurodiversity include wayfinding that is interactive and multi-sensory so that users are not dependent on finding and interpreting signs and maps posted in the museum. AI chatbots can cater to sensory profiles by providing personalized recommendations for visiting museums and reduce anxiety by giving visitors information about less crowded times and sensory spots ahead of time. [A preview of this webinar was covered in the 2 April edition of Advancing IDEAs.]
Hutson’s research on cognitive inclusion in museums may be applicable to libraries. Visiting a library today can be an overwhelming experience for a person with sensory processing issues. Although we think of libraries as quiet spaces, they are often not. Sound and visual stimuli can be overwhelming for neurodivergent people, and sources of these stimuli in libraries include public programs, computers, and copy machines. The same AI technology that helps neurodiverse people navigate museums can help them navigate libraries. The current literature about using AI in libraries seems focused on improving technical services workflows and academic honesty, both of which are important. Given the importance of the library as a public space, we will also consider using AI to improve the library space for neurodivergent users. Contributed by Kate James.
Support for menopause in the workforce
Although librarianship is a predominantly female profession, even in 2024 men still hold a disproportionate number of leadership roles. Librarian Bobbi L. Newman, who writes the award-winning blog “Librarian by Day,” posits that one reason for that discrepancy could be “The challenges associated with menopause, such as the need for flexible work arrangements and the stigma and stereotypes associated with menopause, [which] may affect women’s career paths or opportunities for advancement within the field.” Newman’s post, “Supporting Menopause in Libraries for Workplace Wellbeing,” was prompted by a 9 April 2024, BBC report by Megan Tatum entitled “Without support, many menopausal workers are quitting their jobs.” Tatum cites the impact of menopause, as well as the premenopausal transition known as perimenopause, on workers, especially within the male-dominated world of work. As Newman puts it, “After all, the workplace is not supportive of childbirth, post-childbirth physical or emotional issues, or childrearing; why would it be supportive of menopausal issues? And, of course, there is the real risk that disclosing menopause symptoms could increase age and gender-related discrimination at work.”
Newman makes common sense suggestions for supporting library workers who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause, all of which dovetail with practices that responsible institutions will already have in place (or under development) for improving productivity, enhancing worker health and well-being, promoting inclusivity and equity, and increasing worker retention. An explicit recognition of menopause as a wellness issue can make the library workplace more welcoming and comfortable for everyone. Contributed by Jay Weitz.
Merrilee Proffitt is Senior Manager for the OCLC RLP. She provides community development skills and expert support to institutions within the OCLC Research Library Partnership.