Daring to Find Our Names: The Search for Lesbigay Library History

(Hardback)

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Description

Outlines theoretical and methodological problems in documenting lesbigay history generally (and specifically, the history of lesbigay professionals, particularly those in the feminized professions like librarianship). This book will appeal especially to historians of traditionally underrepresented populations (women, Native Americans, African Americans, lesbigays). In particular, chapters on methodological problems in lesbigay research, separatism, and biases created by gender bias will pull together for the first time integrated feminist/radical perspectives on library history. The authors call for more responsible treatment of such subjects as the outing of historical figures, and conversely, a more open approach to research on gender outlaws in the workplace. Heralds a new era in historical research in which the collective subjective of a particular group of hidden minority voices is given front stage. Leading scholars from a variety of disciplines examine the theoretical and methodological problems of lesbigay history and apply them to librarianship, one of the despised feminine professions. Founders and early leaders of the Task Force for Gay Liberation of the American Library Association, the oldest professionally endorsed gay task force in the world, reflect on their early struggles to gain recognition, and describe how sexism, homophobia, and discrimination have taken a toll in their personal and professional lives. These stories challenge the notion that libraries have unequivocally defended the intellectual freedom and integrity of all their citizens, and provide a poignant counterpoint to the culture wars and political correctness debates within the lesbigay community. Because of societal taboos, until recently, lesbigay history has been invisible to the majority of its participants. Directors and workers in some of the world's leading gay and lesbian archives also share their experiences in collecting and making acccessible ephemera and other partial historical remains to restore a heritage and identity to lesbigay citizens.

Reviews

"In this aptly titled volume, Carmichael has put together diverse materials to begin a search and opens a door to much more work....The contributors provide plenty for academics to chew on, but they also offer good reading for anyone interested in GLB community or libraries. If your library does not own it, request it....No graduate student of history should ever be told again that "there are no sources" for doing lesbian history....GLB community members can know they are far from alone....Daring to Find Our Names brings together an incredibly varies, and in sum, rich collection of essays....as I read [it] I felt a sense of living history. I laud Carmichael's vision and initiative in undertaking this work. It has been sorely needed."-H-Net Reviews in the Humanities & Social Sciences
[A]n important contribution to the body of literature providing access to general library history....[A]nd the title is recommended for inclusion in library science collections, as well as in collections of institutions which collect in the area of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/queer studies.-Journal of Academic Librarianship
In this aptly titled volume, Carmichael has put together diverse materials to begin a search and opens a door to much more work....The contributors provide plenty for academics to chew on, but they also offer good reading for anyone interested in GLB community or libraries. If your library does not own it, request it....No graduate student of history should ever be told again that "there are no sources" for doing lesbian history....GLB community members can know they are far from alone....Daring to Find Our Names brings together an incredibly varies, and in sum, rich collection of essays....as I read [it] I felt a sense of living history. I laud Carmichael's vision and initiative in undertaking this work. It has been sorely needed.-H-Net Reviews in the Humanities & Social Sciences
Most all of us have wandered through the stacks of college and public libraries, looking for our reflections in book covers. This collection will provide a professional, historical perspective, along with resources and some great references.-The Harvard Gay & Lesbian Review
The contributions...offer good reading for anyone interested in GLB community ir libraryes. If your library does not own it, request it....Daring to Find Our Names brings together an incredibly varied, and in sum, rich collection of essays.-H-Net Reviews
"An important contribution to the body of literature providing access to general library history....And the title is recommended for inclusion in library science collections, as well as in collections of institutions which collect in the area of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/queer studies."-Journal of Academic Librarianship
"[A]n important contribution to the body of literature providing access to general library history....[A]nd the title is recommended for inclusion in library science collections, as well as in collections of institutions which collect in the area of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/queer studies."-Journal of Academic Librarianship
"Most all of us have wandered through the stacks of college and public libraries, looking for our reflections in book covers. This collection will provide a professional, historical perspective, along with resources and some great references."-The Harvard Gay & Lesbian Review
"The contributions...offer good reading for anyone interested in GLB community ir libraryes. If your library does not own it, request it....Daring to Find Our Names brings together an incredibly varied, and in sum, rich collection of essays."-H-Net Reviews

Author Bio

JAMES V. CARMICHAEL is Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Studies, at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. /e