Special project - Final report
Equal Access: The demographics, information seeking behavior, and information needs of transgender individual
Abstract
In a survey study, 102 individuals who identified themselves as 18 years or older and transgender responded to a 60-question online survey that asked them about demographics, information seeking behavior, information needs, library use, and library adaptations.
The majority of participants were white (74%), Designated Female at Birth (DFAB) (76%), under 40 years old (89%), partnered or married (51%), employed full-time (45%), and used English as a primary language (96%). Sixty-seven percent (67%) of the study sample reported visiting a library for recreational materials; 62% visited a library for school, education, and/or research; 48%, internet use; 28%, transgender-related research; 23%, an event; and 13%, something else. Only 28% of study respondents indicated they had patronized a library in the past year for transgender-related research.
Study participants were always or very often not able to find the information they needed for spiritual health and well-being (9%); advocacy or political information about trans issues (10%); general or other information about trans issues (11%); physical health and well-being (17%); mental and emotional health (17%); legal information about trans issues (26%); and medical health information about trans issues (28%).
For library adaptations, participants most heavily endorsed: 1) up-to-date transgender literature; 2) up-to-date LGBQ literature, gender neutral bathrooms, and including sexual orientation and gender identity in library non-discrimination policies; 3) established, remote method for name changes and more flexibility in title selection (i.e. Mr.) on library forms; and 4) openly LGBQ and transgender staff.
Overall, study participants were resourceful when seeking information but still experienced substantial information deficits. Most respondents had negative experiences with libraries and hesitate to seek information through libraries. There are numerous adaptions libraries can implement to be more welcoming to transgender patrons.
Special Project Proposal
Special Project Final Report
In a survey study, 102 individuals who identified themselves as 18 years or older and transgender responded to a 60-question online survey that asked them about demographics, information seeking behavior, information needs, library use, and library adaptations.
The majority of participants were white (74%), Designated Female at Birth (DFAB) (76%), under 40 years old (89%), partnered or married (51%), employed full-time (45%), and used English as a primary language (96%). Sixty-seven percent (67%) of the study sample reported visiting a library for recreational materials; 62% visited a library for school, education, and/or research; 48%, internet use; 28%, transgender-related research; 23%, an event; and 13%, something else. Only 28% of study respondents indicated they had patronized a library in the past year for transgender-related research.
Study participants were always or very often not able to find the information they needed for spiritual health and well-being (9%); advocacy or political information about trans issues (10%); general or other information about trans issues (11%); physical health and well-being (17%); mental and emotional health (17%); legal information about trans issues (26%); and medical health information about trans issues (28%).
For library adaptations, participants most heavily endorsed: 1) up-to-date transgender literature; 2) up-to-date LGBQ literature, gender neutral bathrooms, and including sexual orientation and gender identity in library non-discrimination policies; 3) established, remote method for name changes and more flexibility in title selection (i.e. Mr.) on library forms; and 4) openly LGBQ and transgender staff.
Overall, study participants were resourceful when seeking information but still experienced substantial information deficits. Most respondents had negative experiences with libraries and hesitate to seek information through libraries. There are numerous adaptions libraries can implement to be more welcoming to transgender patrons.
Special Project Proposal
Special Project Final Report