Censorship and Its Implications for the Accessibility of LGBTQIA+ Themed Collections in the National Library of Indonesia

Abstract

This study explores censorship practices concerning LGBTQIA+-themed collections at the National Library of Indonesia, highlighting the tension between the principle of open access to information and prevailing conservative societal norms. Censorship, whether formal (through institutional policy) or informal (through librarians' discretionary practices), has contributed to the limited representation of LGBTQIA+ materials in public information institutions. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through document analysis, observation of collection selection and acquisition processes, and semi-structured interviews with librarians responsible for collection development. The findings reveal that censorship is often justified on moral, religious, or protective grounds—particularly to shield young readers—yet in practice, it frequently functions as a mechanism to suppress diverse perspectives. Librarians, in their role as gatekeepers, play a critical part in navigating the balance between institutional policy and the right to access information. This research underscores the importance of positioning libraries as safe and inclusive spaces for all communities, including those identifying as LGBTQIA+.

Keywords: censorship, collection development, LGBTQIA+