Managing and Developing a LGBT+ Collection: The Case of the Nélida Piñon Library at Cervantes Institute in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This article aims to present the steps in the management of LGBT+ Collection of the Nélida Piñon Library of Cervantes Institute in Rio de Janeiro. One of the guidelines of the Collection Development Policy of the Cervantes Institute Libraries Network is to offer a representative, current and balanced vision of the Spanish speaking countries cultural reality. Following this guideline, the library of Cervantes Institute in Rio de Janeiro began to develop a collection specialised in LGBT+ culture and literature to meet the needs of its users, since Spain is one of the forerunner countries in the approval of same-sex marriage (2005), along with the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. It has progressive legislation on the rights of the LGBT+ community, such as homoparental adoption or official gender status change. In cultural terms, both Spanish cinema and literature reinforce and highlight references to LGBT+ culture in Spain. To contrast with the Spanish reality, the collection also brings together works on LGBT+ culture in Hispanic American Countries. According to the president of Cervantes Institute, Luis García Montero, the institution's mission is not only to spread Spanish vocabulary and culture, but also to show the best face of Spain around the world. And that Cervantes Institute wants its venues to be "spheres of freedom" in countries where there are no LGTB+ rights. Started in 2005, the collection has been expanded over time, currently bringing together around 300 documents, including books and videos. The...