Bridging the Gap: An Empirical Study of Reader Interests and LGBTQIA+ Collections in Japanese Public Libraries

This study aimed to identify LGBTQIA+ books that readers want to read but are rarely available in public libraries in Japan. A survey of 618 LGBTQIA+ and 515 non-LGBTQIA+ individuals assessed interest in 297 LGBTQIA+ titles, and the results were compared with checklist data on their availability in public library collections. The comparison revealed that many titles, particularly manga-style essays written by LGBTQIA+ authors or their family members and romance fiction featuring LGBTQIA+ themes, were desired by LGBTQIA+ respondents but underrepresented in library collections. This study recommends expanding these collections and incorporating user feedback, contributing to inclusive public library services.