Date Approved

5-15-2008

Embargo Period

3-22-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in School and Public Librarianship

Department

Special Educational Services/Instruction

College

College of Education

Advisor

Shontz, Marilyn

Subject(s)

Gay high school students--New Jersey; Libraries and gays--New Jersey

Disciplines

Library and Information Science

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if selected New Jersey public libraries in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties were committed to the GLBTQ youth in their communities by providing free and equal access to lesbigay literature and/or offering programs and outreach to this group of young adults. Most previous research looked at school libraries in the United States and libraries in Canada. This study investigated selected public libraries in southern New Jersey to determine if they were striving towards that commitment.

Using the State of New Jersey's District Factor Group (DFG) students were selected based on similar socioeconomic status. A survey was administered to students who were members of their high school's Gay Straight Alliance club. A survey was also administered to public librarians who were responsible for the collection development and youth services for teens in their public libraries. Results showed a general fear towards the GLBTQ teen community and a need for improvement towards commitment.

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