University of South Carolina (University of South Carolina, School of Library and Information Science)

The University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science will compile local, regional, and national health resources to create a centralized, visible, and sustainable online LGBTQIA+ consumer health information guide. Libraries have the potential to offer safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals, who have historically lacked access to crucial health information, to seek health information and receive professional guidance. Despite this potential, LGBTQIA+ people have encountered barriers to library use, including insufficient collections and services. Building off a previous IMLS grant, the project will leverage established partnerships, including a national network of LGBTQIA+ community leaders, public library workers, and health sciences librarians—and a partnership with the Network of the National Library of Medicine Region 2 Regional Medical Library—to support the guide’s creation and sustainability. The primary beneficiaries are LGBTQIA+ people nationwide, who can gain crucial health insights, and librarians, who will deepen their understanding of LGBTQIA+ needs and strengthen community trust.