Speaking Out in the Stacks: Oral History Project of LGBTQIA+ Librarians

Abstract

LGBTQIA+ librarians have established inclusive and diverse library institutions, yet their contributions remain largely undocumented and underrepresented in traditional Library and Information Science (LIS) histories. Speaking Out in the Stacks is an oral history project that records their professional journeys, contributions, and achievements in the field, along with their advocacy work in promoting inclusivity. Focusing on the Philippine setting, this project aims to document the professional experiences of LGBTQIA+ librarians at the University of the Philippines Diliman by creating an oral history platform that fosters awareness of LGBTQIA+ representation in LIS and actively engages the community in developing the narratives. Using the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model, the project systematically collects, processes, and presents interviews, photographs, and supporting materials. These are transcribed, digitized, and organized into an accessible platform for research, education, and advocacy. The resulting oral history is available at speakingoutlis.org, where users can explore the narratives and engage with the platform. With the support of the Gender and Development Committee of the University Library, the project enhances visibility and engagement while ensuring ethical standards by allowing participants to review and approve their stories. Integrating oral history with digital technology, this initiative enriches LIS history and supports workplace diversity policies. It goes beyond documentation by collaborating with LGBTQIA+ librarians and advocacy groups to strengthen their presence in LIS. Thus, it addresses a critical gap in LIS literature through its response to the lack of studies on LGBTQIA+ representation. Amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices fills a gap in LIS literature by integrating their narratives into wider academic discussions while also modeling best practices in digital oral history through structured documentation and meaningful storytelling. Keywords: oral history; LGBTQIA+ librarians; IPO model; representation; LIS history