Diversity & Inclusion ePortfolio Presentation
8.1 Discussion Leadership Reading
Article’s Bibliographic Information
Mehra, B. (2019). What is “LGBTQ+” Information? Interdisciplinary Connections. In LGBTQ+ Librarianship in the 21st Century: Emerging Directions of Advocacy and Community Engagement in Diverse Information Environments (Vol. 45, pp. 15–47). Emerald Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-283020190000045002
Mehra, B. (2019). What is “LGBTQ+” Information? Interdisciplinary Connections. In LGBTQ+ Librarianship in the 21st Century: Emerging Directions of Advocacy and Community Engagement in Diverse Information Environments (Vol. 45, pp. 15–47). Emerald Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-283020190000045002
Keywords
LGBTQ+ information, interdisciplinarity, sexuality, inclusion, LIS professions, advocacy, participatory engagement, equity, intersectionality
LGBTQ+ information, interdisciplinarity, sexuality, inclusion, LIS professions, advocacy, participatory engagement, equity, intersectionality
Purpose of the Article
To define and contextualize “LGBTQ+ information” within the library and information science profession and to explore interdisciplinary theories of sexuality and identity; actively dismantle inequities and misinformation through inclusive, human-centered information practices.
To define and contextualize “LGBTQ+ information” within the library and information science profession and to explore interdisciplinary theories of sexuality and identity; actively dismantle inequities and misinformation through inclusive, human-centered information practices.
Theoretical/Practice-Based Frameworks
Critical theory (Frankfurt School, Gramsci, Foucault)
Queer theory
Intersectionality (Crenshaw)
Feminist and postcolonial theory
Research Approaches / Methods / Methodological Frameworks
Conceptual and theoretical synthesis
Interdisciplinary literature review
LIS practice-based reflection
Strengths (Significance) of the Article
This article provides an integration of interdisciplinary perspectives on sexuality and the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as direct application to LIS practices and advocacy. This article also highlights the responsibilities of LIS professional to address exclusion of LGBTQIA+ patrons.
Rich integration of interdisciplinary perspectives on sexuality
Direct application to LIS practices, policies, and advocacy
Offers practical strategies for progressive library services
Highlights LIS professional responsibilities in addressing invisibility and exclusion of LGBTQ+ patrons
Weaknesses (Limitations) of the Article
Mostly U.S. related LIS examples, which may limited international application
Key Takeaway (Information Actions for Diverse Populations)
LIS professionals must intentionally include LGBTQ+ users in library planning and design processes to create information systems that reflect diverse, intersectional experiences and ensure visibility and access.
Suggested Outcome / Strategy for Colleagues in Practice
Create an outreach initiative that reflects the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and invite local patrons to share their personal experiences as they related to marginalized community members.
Important References in Relation to Student’s Areas of Interest (Course Project)
Mehra & Braquet (2006; 2014) on LGBTQ+ invisibility in LIS
Olson (2000; 2007) on biased classification systems
American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights (1996)
Ideas and Relationship of Article to Student’s Areas of Interest (Course Project):
This article addresses diversity, and access at public libraries like the Walton-DeFuniak Library. Dr. Mehra’s call for activist librarianship and community-centered design reinforces the need for expanded outreach and inclusive collections, impact not just the LGBTQIA+ population but specifically within rural communities.
8.2 ePortfolio Demonstration and Insights
Presentation of this Diversity Website to Dr. Mehra and students of CIS 650: Applying Diversity Leadership Theories & Praxis in Information Organization on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
What did you learn with regard to your focused aspect of diversity, inclusion, and underserved populations at your information agency/organization during the semester?
Over the course of the semester, my research into the Walton-DeFuniak Library deepened my understanding of how structural barriers—particularly transportation—shape access to information in rural communities. Although the library continues to offer library services to the community, I learned that patrons without reliable transportation or stable housing remain largely underserved. These access disparities are overwhelmingly due to the absence of systemic infrastructure, and lack of coordinated partnerships with social service or community agencies.
Through this project, I’ve come to recognize that transportation inequity in rural areas like DeFuniak Springs is not just a logistical issue—it is a form of information exclusion. Addressing it requires inclusive, community-centered solutions, outreach, and partnerships with transit and housing organizations. I also discovered that libraries must listen directly to the needs of their patrons if they are to become truly inclusive institutions.
What were the challenges and aspects meaningful to you in the course?
The information obtained within this course focused me into my area of need within my organization, the Walton-DeFuniak Library. It helped prioritize the areas I reviewed when assessing the needs of the patrons within this library, as well as how to best address the barriers and offer solutions towards underserved patrons. Ultimately, the information learned within this course has been invaluable to me, not only as a student, but as a future practitioner and community member.