This study is based on private gay and lesbian libraries/collections/archives not associated with academic libraries.
OBJECTIVES OF SERVICE
Reviewing the 100+ gay and lesbian libraries across the globe, most, if not all mission statements reflect the same goals: preserving the memory of a turbulent sociological and political history, nurturing the visibility of homosexuals in the present, and contributing to a future that "correct[s] the past neglect of the gay and lesbian role in society" (Lukenhill 93). These libraries help build a sense of community identity and affirm a sense of belonging often absent in everyday society.
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
The collection development of gay and lesbian libraries consist of any materials relating to gay and lesbian history, studies, artwork, literature and paraphernalia (i.e. t-shirts, buttons, posters, etc.). While much of this information is obtained through newspapers, journals and publishers, the personal collections of many individuals contribute to the archives.
Since most of the information published in the United States, at least until the late 1960’s, was produced by or for the medical fields, much of the lesbian and gay history is of the oral tradition (Gough 6). This is a dominant information source since this realm of society was highly disregarded until the mid-20th century, creating a special collection dilemma in many libraries, now being resolved in the digital age.
STAFFING MODELS
As gay and lesbian libraries are relatively smaller than those in the mainstream society, the personnel budget is also smaller. Most “lesbi-gay” libraries staff one or two professional degreed librarian(s), one or two clerk(s) and many volunteers from the community. Since most gay and lesbian libraries are located in metropolitan cities, or its proximity, finding assistance is not a difficult task, although one that leads to other issues, such as miscataloged documents and misplaced items due to a non-professional staff, in the libraries (Lukenhill 98).
ORGANIZATIONAL HIERARCHY
A Board of Directors elected by other members of the Board oversees the operations of the private gay and lesbian libraries. These members also elect officers to help administer policies and procedures regarding maintenance and management in the roles of President, Vice-President (who also sits on the Board during their tenure in office) and non-board members, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board of Directors, if necessary, designates an Advisory Board, or Board of Trustees, who are called upon in special circumstances. This Advisory Board does not have management or administration authority over the daily model, only the power of suggestion. After this is the Chief Librarian, who also sits on the Board of Directors so he or she can communicate the day-to-day operations of the library (Stonewall).
FUNDING
Funding for gay and lesbian libraries comes from three sources: membership fees, donations and grants. Membership fees usually make up a very small portion of the funding available for the libraries because the fees are of small nominal value. In raising the fees the library would eliminate many of their patrons. Donations usually come in the form of books, articles and time, which contribute much of the potential funding of the library. Monetary donations made from participating organizations (gay and lesbian community centers and national/international gay and lesbian groups) as well as individuals in the community constitute the majority of the funding. Government or institutional grants usually fund specific goals of the library such as additional shelving, special collections and computer labs (Gough 8-39).
CLIENTELE SERVED
Many individuals and groups turn to the gay and lesbian library for their information needs. Some turn to this specific library for confidentiality purposes, some for the diversity of text on a specific issue, and some for bibliotherapy. Patrons also find their way to the gay and lesbian stacks to do research because a sister, brother, mother, or father has recently "come out" and the library is a safe place to find authoritative information. Whatever the case may be, the gay and lesbian libraries not only provide services for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender population, but also their friends and family (Steven 272-9).
WEBSITE EVALUATION
The Gerber/Hart Library: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Information Resource and Archive
http://www.gerberhart.org/
The Gerber/Hart Library website is a simple address that holds a vast amount of information in terms of the collection, the organization’s hierarchy, scheduling for groups/events and its mission. Although there are no listed updates on the web-page, the weekly calendar is posted as well as future events in balloon advertisements. All links are complete and offer a variety of services including an option for news and search. The colors are calm in nature and blend well with the light of the screen. The language and ideas presented in the site are clear and focused allowing any age group to access it simply and readily.
TRENDS AND ISSUES
Many issues plague the agenda of gay and lesbian libraries, but most dominant is the lack of funding. This deficiency effects several aspects of library operations including staff, maintenance and organization, and in the big picture, they all tie together. Because there is lack of funding, many gay and lesbian libraries (like other public and special libraries) rely on a staff of individuals not trained in library schools, which can create issues with cataloging, and organization and maintenance. This funding issue has been present since the inception of all special libraries and will probably remain as long as there are non-professionals acting in positions that require extensive training (Lukenhill 99-100).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The Gerber/Hart Library: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Information Resource and Archive. 19 Sept. 2003 <http://www.gerberhart.org/>.
Gough, Cal, Ellen Greenblatt. Gay and Lesbian Library Service. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 1990.
Joyce, Steven. "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Library Science: A Review of the Literature." Public Libraries. 39 (2000): 270-9.
Lukenhill, Bill. "Modern gay and lesbian libraries and archives in North America: a study in community identity and affirmation." Library Management. 23 (2002): 93-100.
Stonewall Library and Archives. 20 Sept. 2003 <http://www.stonewall-library.org/index.html>.
ADDITIONAL WEB SITES OF INTEREST
The Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives
http://www.clga.ca/
One Institute and Archive
http://www.oneinstitute.org/
Stonewall Library and Archives
http://www.stonewall-library.org/index.html