Diversity monitoring in the library: categorisation practices and the exclusion of LGBTQ library users

Guyan, K. (2021) Diversity monitoring in the library: categorisation practices and the exclusion of LGBTQ library users. International Journal of Information, Diversity, and Inclusion, 5(4), pp. 6-20. (doi: 10.33137/ijidi.v5i4.36022)

Abstract

The collection of data about the identity characteristics of library users is the latest development in a long history of contested categorisation practices. In this article, I highlight how the collection of data about lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people has implications for the undertaking of diversity monitoring exercises in academic and public libraries. Based on experiences in the United Kingdom, I argue that recuperative efforts to ‘fix’ categorisation practices are not enough and overlook how categories of gender, sex and sexuality are constructed through the practice of diversity monitoring, how categories are positioned in time and space, and who is involved in decision-making about who to include and exclude from the category of ‘LGBTQ’.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Categorisation practices, data, LGBTQ, libraries, queer.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Guyan, Dr Kevin
• Authors: Guyan, K.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
• Journal Name: International Journal of Information, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Publisher: University of Toronto Library
• ISSN: 2574-3430
• ISSN (Online): 2574-3430
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Kevin Guyan
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Information, Diversity, and Inclusion 5(4): 6-20
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License