sla glbt issues caucus presentation at infolink 20091014 revised

Special Libraries AssociationConnecting People and Information

A Special Group for Info Pros SLA’s GLBT Issues Caucus

Presented at “Serving New Jersey’s GLBT Community” INFOLINK Regional Library Cooperative

October 14, 2009

Eric Schwarz, Co-Convener of SLA GLBT Issues Caucus (2007-2009)

(SLA has proposed changing its name to Association of Strategic Knowledge Professionals. The name change decision will be announced Dec. 10, 2009.)

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History / Formation• 1995: Approved by SLA Board of Directors

(January) as Gay and Lesbian Issues Caucus. Held first business meeting at Montreal conference (June). First conveners: Richard Hulser and David Jank.

• As with other SLA caucuses, it has to be reapproved by the SLA board every three years and must have at least one convener. GLBTIC has had two conveners each year except one.

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Learning Opportunities

• Discussing issues related to working as a GLBT person in the information professions, or serving GLBT clients.

• Learning best practices and achievements by and for GLBT populations in libraries and information centers.

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Membership

• In 1996, the caucus had 69 members. A 2001 Information Outlook article reported membership ranged from 65-80 members a year.

• As of Oct. 13, 2009, the caucus had 88 members.

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Membership Challenges

• Some people are still closeted or because of their work situation, don’t bring up their orientation.

• Flip side: Some members think they don’t need a separate group because their workplace is welcoming.

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Visibility• The caucus brings visibility of GLBT

members and issues at the conference, through programming and visibility (e.g. rainbow stickers on badges).

• Fun topics, get-togethers and annual dinners. We’ve also had local Happy Hours, mostly in DC.

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Early Programming

• 1997 (Seattle): Northwest Lesbian and Gay History Museum Project presentation.

• 1999 (Minneapolis): Co-hosted programs "Forming Employee Groups" and "Prejudice in LC Subject Cataloging."

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Out in the Community

• 2002 (Los Angeles): Visit to One Institute Gay and Lesbian Archives.

• 2004 (Nashville): Informal attendance at Nashville Pride.

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The Impact of the Web,and a Name Change

• 2005 (Toronto): Understanding the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Consumer (cosponsored with Advertising & Marketing Division).

• 2006 (Baltimore): Public Displays: Web 2.0 and the Information Commons.

• Name change: Added “Bisexual and Transgendered” to become GLBT Issues Caucus.

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Ephemeral Importance

• 2008 (Seattle): Return of guest speakers from the Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project. Emphasis of importance of maintaining photos and ephemera (photos, fliers from events) to document society and institutions that were sometimes secretive.

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Archive Activism

• 2009 (Washington, DC): Kameny Papers: A government employee once fired for being gay documented the discrimination against him. In 2006 he presented his papers to the Library of Congress, and in 2008 they were made available to the public. Charles Francis, Founder of the Kameny Papers Project, spoke of the activism of saving the archives.

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Parading and Spying in 2009

• Caucus members officially marched in the Capital Pride Parade in DC, carrying favorite gay-themed books.

• The caucus co-sponsored a visit to the Spy Museum in DC with several other SLA units (two divisions, plus one other caucus).

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The Marchers

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And Our Banner

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Communications

• 1996: Launched first Web site and mailed newsletter.

• Approx. 1998-99: Established listserv.

• 2000: Online newsletter, GLIClines.

• 2008: Blog, GLitter BiTs; Facebook Fan Page.

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On the Web

• Main caucus site: http://units.sla.org/caucus/kglic

• GLitter BiTs blog: http://sla-divisions.typepad.com/glbt/

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/SLA-GLBTIC/17084957955?ref=s

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Questions/Thank You

Eric Schwarz

Eric@EricTheLibrarian.com

http://blog.ericthelibrarian.com

Phone (908) 541-1114