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Supporting Trans People in Libraries
As trans people (including those on the nonbinary spectrum) start to feel safer expressing their identities in public, libraries are making an effort to show that they welcome people of all gender identities. Yet there are many potential barriers to actively supporting trans people, including lack of knowledge about the needs of the trans community and lack of funding or institutional support. This book, written entirely by trans library workers, is designed to dismantle some of these barriers.
Supporting Trans People in Libraries is relevant for library workers of any background and position. People with little knowledge about trans identities can start with the opening introductory chapters, while those looking for guidance on a specific situation--such as adding all-gender restrooms, interacting respectfully with trans coworkers, deciding what information to require on library card applications, writing inclusive job postings, making collection development decisions, and more--can jump to a particular chapter. For each topic, there are sections on easy fixes, best practices, and example language. Readers can easily adapt the information to benefit their libraries and communities in concrete ways.
Supporting Trans People in Libraries is relevant for library workers of any background and position. People with little knowledge about trans identities can start with the opening introductory chapters, while those looking for guidance on a specific situation--such as adding all-gender restrooms, interacting respectfully with trans coworkers, deciding what information to require on library card applications, writing inclusive job postings, making collection development decisions, and more--can jump to a particular chapter. For each topic, there are sections on easy fixes, best practices, and example language. Readers can easily adapt the information to benefit their libraries and communities in concrete ways.
174 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2019
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November 22, 2019I've come away from this book enormously conflicted. As such, I am declining to rate it.
Much of the information is useful; some of it erases the identities of binary trans men and women.
I want to talk about the good parts of the book, but the problematic issues are pervasive. That makes it difficult to do so without implicitly endorsing those issues. The least problematic chapters in my opinion are Personal Information (3), Restrooms (4), Conferences and Other Events (7), Patron Complaints and Employee Objections (8), and Collection Development (12). These provide a wealth of useful information that I believe would be beneficial to most librarians and library staff.
I don't understand why the author felt that using they/them pronouns means that a person isn't being misgendered. If that person uses he/him, then YES, they/them is misgendering that person just as much as using she/her would be. It may not be transphobic or motivated by malice, but it's still likely to cause discomfort, just like ANY form of misgendering.
It's not a radical act that tears down the gender binary; it's a thoughtless act that tears down individual people, especially binary transgender people, of which I am one.
I know that when someone uses they/them for me it angers me more than she/her, because the message I'm getting from that person's choice is: "Fine, I know you don't want to be read as a woman, but no way will I ever consider you a man. I know! I'll use they/them and get to look progressive without actually having to respect your identity!"
I guess my biggest issue is that if other library staff read this book and used it as a guide for how to treat me as a binary trans man who is not gender variant, my colleagues would end up treating me with markedly less respect than they do now; my personal situation in the workplace would be made worse by this book.
That doesn't mean the content wouldn't help other people, especially those who are non-binary or have (only) non-binary coworkers and serve (only) non-binary library users. Those readers would likely have the opposite experience of the content that I have had. It is focused on that spectrum of the community and would likely serve them well. Readers should take in this information in with the understanding that parts of it apply only to non-binary individuals and that they should apply content to trans men and trans women at their own risk.
Also, the term "gender variant" is nonstandard. Many people who are transgender are not "gender variant" and experience gender no differently than a cisgender person of the same gender. The difference isn't variance on our side; it's how society treats transgender people compared to cisgender people.
Overall, this may not be appropriate as a stand-alone resource, because of its focus on non-binary identities sometimes at the expense of binary ones in the community.
This book has made me wonder if it might be better for everyone if transgender and non-binary people formed separate communities. Our lived experiences and our needs for support may be too different to coexist comfortably and productively under the same umbrella.
What smarter people than me have to say about the forced use of gender neutral pronouns: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/...
Much of the information is useful; some of it erases the identities of binary trans men and women.
I want to talk about the good parts of the book, but the problematic issues are pervasive. That makes it difficult to do so without implicitly endorsing those issues. The least problematic chapters in my opinion are Personal Information (3), Restrooms (4), Conferences and Other Events (7), Patron Complaints and Employee Objections (8), and Collection Development (12). These provide a wealth of useful information that I believe would be beneficial to most librarians and library staff.
I don't understand why the author felt that using they/them pronouns means that a person isn't being misgendered. If that person uses he/him, then YES, they/them is misgendering that person just as much as using she/her would be. It may not be transphobic or motivated by malice, but it's still likely to cause discomfort, just like ANY form of misgendering.
It's not a radical act that tears down the gender binary; it's a thoughtless act that tears down individual people, especially binary transgender people, of which I am one.
I know that when someone uses they/them for me it angers me more than she/her, because the message I'm getting from that person's choice is: "Fine, I know you don't want to be read as a woman, but no way will I ever consider you a man. I know! I'll use they/them and get to look progressive without actually having to respect your identity!"
I guess my biggest issue is that if other library staff read this book and used it as a guide for how to treat me as a binary trans man who is not gender variant, my colleagues would end up treating me with markedly less respect than they do now; my personal situation in the workplace would be made worse by this book.
That doesn't mean the content wouldn't help other people, especially those who are non-binary or have (only) non-binary coworkers and serve (only) non-binary library users. Those readers would likely have the opposite experience of the content that I have had. It is focused on that spectrum of the community and would likely serve them well. Readers should take in this information in with the understanding that parts of it apply only to non-binary individuals and that they should apply content to trans men and trans women at their own risk.
Also, the term "gender variant" is nonstandard. Many people who are transgender are not "gender variant" and experience gender no differently than a cisgender person of the same gender. The difference isn't variance on our side; it's how society treats transgender people compared to cisgender people.
Overall, this may not be appropriate as a stand-alone resource, because of its focus on non-binary identities sometimes at the expense of binary ones in the community.
This book has made me wonder if it might be better for everyone if transgender and non-binary people formed separate communities. Our lived experiences and our needs for support may be too different to coexist comfortably and productively under the same umbrella.
What smarter people than me have to say about the forced use of gender neutral pronouns: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/...
October 17, 2024
3.5 stars
Well-written and very thorough. Probably could have skipped this as a trans person in libraries myself, though.
Well-written and very thorough. Probably could have skipped this as a trans person in libraries myself, though.
February 29, 2020
This is a necessary read for anyone in the library world. From conferences, to internal systems, to hiring, to patronage, this book has it all. Drawing from personal anecdotes from both the author and other trans and gender non-conforming librarians, Supporting Trans People in Libraries offers community support in order to better support your community. From updating forms to making bathrooms all-gender inclusive, to saying one's pronouns to making sure everybody is aware of trans-inclusive policy, Krueger offers great advice.
With easy-to-read, non-scientific or overtly activist-y language, Krueger does a great job at underscoring just what in the library world needs to be updated and what can be made better. I'm glad that this is now a part of library science ltierature, as I'm sure it will be a wonderful resource for years to come. My only caveat is that, like most books on the topic of gender, sex, and identity, is that it is likely to become outdated soon, as such topics, discussions, and even vocabulary are changing at a rapid-fire pace. But that isn't to detract from the fact that for the time being, right here and now, this is a necessary tool for librarians today.
Review cross-listed here!
With easy-to-read, non-scientific or overtly activist-y language, Krueger does a great job at underscoring just what in the library world needs to be updated and what can be made better. I'm glad that this is now a part of library science ltierature, as I'm sure it will be a wonderful resource for years to come. My only caveat is that, like most books on the topic of gender, sex, and identity, is that it is likely to become outdated soon, as such topics, discussions, and even vocabulary are changing at a rapid-fire pace. But that isn't to detract from the fact that for the time being, right here and now, this is a necessary tool for librarians today.
Review cross-listed here!
March 8, 2022
With eye-opening explanations of how transgender people face barriers to library service and clear steps for removing those barriers, this professional development book is a must-read for everyone who sets policy in all libraries. Author Stephen G. Krueger is a transgender man and does not shy away from sharing his personal experiences. In the end, everything suggested is not only incredibly easy for library staff, but also lifesaving for the transgender patrons who use library services. A helpful glossary at the end and an entire chapter on pronouns is especially helpful for those who need extra help with terminology.
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March 26, 2024if you know nothing about trans and gender diverse people, then this could be helpful, but for me, it was very repetitive and didn't really give me anything new to think about.
December 14, 2021
This is a great resource for library staff as well as anyone tangentially related to the library field (such as conference employees, which there is a chapter about). It is quite idealistic, which isn't a bad thing, but I wonder about the struggles of actually trying to do some of the suggestions. Libraries are woefully underfunded and can be extremely stuck in their ways, so things as simple as inclusive library apps can be a struggle to obtain and take forever (I say from experience).
This book can be a bit repetitive, but most textbooks/nonfiction books are.
This book can be a bit repetitive, but most textbooks/nonfiction books are.
December 12, 2021
As Libraries, I hope that they continue to serve all of their public.
What can be done to serve a population that you cannot necessarily see on the surface?
Libraries, knowingly or unknowingly, have been serving the LGBTQ+ community for as long as they have been providing service. This book specifically addresses ways to better serve the Trans and Non-Binary communities.
The author, Stephen G. Krueger (He/Him, They/Them) works in an Academic Library, but the services are as accessible for most.
Each chapter's focus includes a recap, a "quick" change to services/policies and a long-term change.
Many of these involve Branch signage, outreach, staff training, and documenting chosen names.
There are many ways to improve the way Libraries serve Trans and Gender Variant patrons, staff and the community.
If you've never thought about how you service this part of your community, read this book. If you think you may want ideas or proof of successful examples, read this book. If you want to simply know more about gender identities and pronouns, read this book. If you're looking into expanding ideas that you may not have considered, read this book. If you may be questioning your own identities or views, try this book.
What can be done to serve a population that you cannot necessarily see on the surface?
Libraries, knowingly or unknowingly, have been serving the LGBTQ+ community for as long as they have been providing service. This book specifically addresses ways to better serve the Trans and Non-Binary communities.
The author, Stephen G. Krueger (He/Him, They/Them) works in an Academic Library, but the services are as accessible for most.
Each chapter's focus includes a recap, a "quick" change to services/policies and a long-term change.
Many of these involve Branch signage, outreach, staff training, and documenting chosen names.
There are many ways to improve the way Libraries serve Trans and Gender Variant patrons, staff and the community.
If you've never thought about how you service this part of your community, read this book. If you think you may want ideas or proof of successful examples, read this book. If you want to simply know more about gender identities and pronouns, read this book. If you're looking into expanding ideas that you may not have considered, read this book. If you may be questioning your own identities or views, try this book.
April 30, 2020
Great resource for helping library workers create a safe and welcoming space for trans/gender variant/non-binary patrons and staff. There are times it can be a little repetitive if reading it straight through, but the author mentions in the beginning it is designed so someone can focus on the chapters most relevant to them/their job and not miss any important points. Good mix of info, personal stories, suggestions, and additional resources.
March 10, 2020
Outstanding. This book is great for libraries of all sizes and shapes, as well as anyone with public work in their job. A really great tool.
September 23, 2021
I found this really informative, and I hope more people read it. Some of it was definitely very library specific, but parts of it can definitely be used elsewhere.
July 30, 2024
Good primer and helpful actionable steps
July 2, 2021
This is an excellent introduction and exploration of how to support not just trans & gender diverse patrons but also our library workers, too. It's very accessible both in construction and in wording, and the introduction is beautifully done as an explanation to the reader where the author is coming from, how the book is put together, and how it can be used.
Some of the things I really, really loved about it are the "language examples" sprinkled throughout the text that show readers some ways that verbal and written communication can be worded in various situations. Those, plus the "quick fixes" and "long-term solutions" at the end of each chapter make the practical application of the the information in the book really easy to follow and, I think, less intimidating to readers who may be new to the subject.
I also LOVE that Krueger added personal stories from various folks in the trans & gender diverse community related to the issues and concepts in the book, too, as they not only give specific examples of real-world interactions and instances of discrimination and/or acceptance, but it also helps to emphasize that no one's experience is exactly the same and that cis folks cannot look to one trans voice as THE definitive guide.
Some of the things I really, really loved about it are the "language examples" sprinkled throughout the text that show readers some ways that verbal and written communication can be worded in various situations. Those, plus the "quick fixes" and "long-term solutions" at the end of each chapter make the practical application of the the information in the book really easy to follow and, I think, less intimidating to readers who may be new to the subject.
I also LOVE that Krueger added personal stories from various folks in the trans & gender diverse community related to the issues and concepts in the book, too, as they not only give specific examples of real-world interactions and instances of discrimination and/or acceptance, but it also helps to emphasize that no one's experience is exactly the same and that cis folks cannot look to one trans voice as THE definitive guide.
February 17, 2020
Having nothing to compare this to I find it difficult to evaluate. It would seem to be a starting point for those looking to be more supportive or at least less clueless regarding non-binary or trans people in general. Which may or may not be the way to phrase this.
While information in the chapters may seem repetitive if reading this from start to finish, it does lend itself to selective reading on just the topics of most interest.
Please read others comments as they may be more useful in determining whether to read this work or not.
While information in the chapters may seem repetitive if reading this from start to finish, it does lend itself to selective reading on just the topics of most interest.
Please read others comments as they may be more useful in determining whether to read this work or not.
August 21, 2020
An excellent resource for library directors on how to make libraries welcoming, safe and supportive of both patrons and staff who are trans or non-binary. There are also sections helpful for any library staff on creating the same safe supportive environment for patrons. I especially appreciated the 'quick fix' and 'long term' solutions sections in each chapter. Recommended reading for all library staff.
May 21, 2021
While helpful, this book is INSANELY repetitive. Maybe it has to be (in which case I recognize my privilege in not having to reassert my reality on the regular), but nonetheless, I feel as if this could have been a MUCH shorter work. It also has a decidedly academic library bent, so readers should be aware going in that this is geared heavily toward academic library staff.
January 18, 2020
Overall some really good information on how to support trans people (patrons and coworkers) in the library. I learned a lot.
March 29, 2020
Great summary of best practices. This is a diving board to help people build momentum for a deeper dive into creating trans inclusive spaces in libraries for both patrons and employees.
September 25, 2020
Really useful discussion about how to make libraries, and many other places, more supportive of trans people. Highly recommended.
November 11, 2020
Fairly repetitive but full of good, easily implemented information.
December 20, 2023
Very repetitive
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews