Theme: “Issues and Successes Related to LGBTQ+ Services in Libraries“
The LGBTQ+ Users Special Interest Group invites proposals for communications to be presented at a session during the IFLA World Library and Information Congress, to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 18–22 August 2025.
Libraries are vital community hubs, serving as gateways to information, knowledge, and connection. However, ensuring equitable access and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ patrons remains a critical and evolving challenge. This conference, “Issues and Successes Related to LGBTQ+ Services in Libraries,” aims to foster a global dialogue, exploring the complexities, successes, and future directions of LGBTQ+ services within library settings.
We invite librarians, archivists, educators, researchers, community advocates, and anyone passionate about inclusive library practices to contribute to this important conversation.
All submitted papers should engage with the conference theme, “Uniting Knowledge – Building the Future.”
Suggested topics
We welcome submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Access and Equity:
- Addressing barriers to access for LGBTQ+ patrons.
- Developing and implementing inclusive policies and procedures.
- Ensuring equitable resource allocation and representation.
- Collection Development and Management:
- Building diverse and inclusive collections that reflect LGBTQ+ experiences.
- Addressing censorship and challenges to LGBTQ+ materials.
- Curating and preserving LGBTQ+ archival materials and histories.
- Programming and Outreach:
- Creating engaging and relevant programming for LGBTQ+ communities.
- Building partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations and community groups.
- Developing outreach strategies to reach underserved LGBTQ+ populations.
- Training and Education:
- Providing staff training on LGBTQ+ cultural competency and sensitivity.
- Educating library users on LGBTQ+ issues and resources.
- Developing and implementing inclusive pedagogical approaches.
- Technology and Digital Resources:
- Utilizing technology to enhance access to LGBTQ+ resources.
- Addressing digital literacy and inclusion for LGBTQ+ patrons.
- Navigating online safety and privacy concerns.
- Advocacy and Policy:
- Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion within library systems.
- Developing and implementing policies that protect and support LGBTQ+ patrons.
- Analyzing the effects of current legislation relating to LGBTQ+ populations, on library services
We want to share successful initiatives and strategies for building inclusive library environments to highlight local projects and will consider global perspectives (exploring the unique challenges and successes of LGBTQ+ library services in different cultural and national contexts or facilitating cross-cultural exchange and collaboration).
Important dates & deadlines:
- 15 May 2025: Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts
- 01 June 2025: Notification to authors about the status of a submission
- 04 August 2025: Submission of the full text of the paper
- 04 August 2025: Submission of accompanying PowerPoint slides for presentation
Submission guidelines
Proposals should include:
- Title of the proposed presentation
- Abstract of the proposed paper (no more than 300 words)
- Name of the presenter plus position and/or title
- Employer / affiliated institution
- Contact information including email address, telephone number
- Short biographical statement of the presenter
Send proposals via email to:
- Thomas Chaimbault-Petitjean at thomas.chaimbault@enssib.fr
- Joseph Hafner at hafnerj@yorku.ca
Use the subject line: LGBTQ+ SIG Open Session WLIC2025
Please note:
- At least one of the paper’s authors must be present to summarize the paper during the program in Astana. Abstracts are to be submitted only with the understanding that the expenses of attending the conference will be the responsibility of the author(s)/presenter(s) of accepted papers.
- The language of the session is expected to be English.
- All papers presented at the WLIC 2025 will be available online under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
- All papers must be unpublished and not previously presented.
- Authors must disclose whether they submit this proposal to another WLIC 2025 session.
- Authors of accepted papers must complete the IFLA Authors’ Permission Form.
- All expenses, including registration for the conference, travel, accommodations, etc., are the responsibility of the authors/presenters. IFLA does not provide any financial support.