Analysis of LGBTQIA+ Books for Children, in NJ Public Libraries

Analysis of LGBTQIA+ Books for Children, in NJ Public Libraries

Abstract
New Jersey is working towards becoming a more inclusive state. In February 2019 a bill was signed into law that would require New Jersey to teach Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) history in their public schools. This is the second state in the nation to have such a law. (LGBT, 2019). Are New Jersey libraries up to date with LGBTQ+ reading materials at the elementary school level. If this is not the case then the libraries should look into updating their collections. The study includes looking at public library system catalogs in New Jersey. Nine public library system catalogs were reviewed, with items from eighty-five branches. By performing a review of library materials there should be a clear picture if materials are lacking in specific LGBTQ categories or in the subject heading as a whole. This study is being conducted to determine how many materials there are of each category and if more should be considered. It was found that each library system in New Jersey had their own percentage of Children’s LGBTQIA+ books and there did not seem to be a correlation between the books and their budgets. It was determined that New Jersey is on the right track towards having more LGBTQIA+ publications in their Children’s collections, but there is still work to be done
Keywords: LGBTQIA+, New Jersey, HRC Welcoming Schools, Lesbian, Gay male, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer.