Mission
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table of the American Library Association is committed to serving the information needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered professional library community, and the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered information and access needs of individuals at large. We are committed to encouraging and supporting the free and necessary access to all information, as reflected by the missions of the American Library Association and democratic institutions.
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table provides its members, other American Library Association divisions, members, and affiliates, and the library and information science field as a whole with a forum for discussion and an environment for education and learning regarding the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered professional community and population at large.
Responsibilities
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table of the American Library Association shall:
- promote the improved quality, quantity, and accessibility of library materials and service of particular interest or usefulness to lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgendered people of all ages;
- promote awareness of and develop funding sources outside of ALA for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table Book Awards, and programs;
- develop, promote and defend unrestricted access of all library users to information by or about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people;
- provide bibliographic services to librarians, archivists, other information professionals, and library users;
- work toward eliminating job discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered employees of libraries, archives, and information centers;
- advocate revising classification schemes, subject heading lists, indices, etc., in order to remove terms derogatory to the lives, activities, and contributions to culture and society of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people;
- remind the membership and leadership of the Association as often as necessary that many librarians, archivists, other information specialists, and library users are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered people; support other minority groups working for adequate representation and equal opportunity within the Association;
- work with groups outside the Association interested in achieving equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people;
- provide opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered librarians, archivists, and other information specialists attending Association conferences to meet and socialize with one another; and
- promote the Association's Library Bill of Rights and its Code of Ethics.
GLBTRT Membership
If you are already a member of the American Library Association, please consider adding membership in the GLBT Round Table when renewing your membership. Annual dues for the Round Table are $15.00 (regular), $5.00 (student), or $20.00 (organizational and corporate). If you are interested in joining ALA and the Round Table for the first time, please see the ALA Membership page for additional information.
