THE GAY LIBRARIAN - A COMPARATIVE-ANALYSIS OF ATTITUDES TOWARDS PROFESSIONAL GENDER ISSUES

Librarianship is a feminized profession, and like teaching, nursing, a nd social work with which it shares the occupational traits of a ''sem i-profession,'' its low status and prestige have been attributed to a negative feminine image. To date, discussion of a corresponding male l ibrarian image, general male issues, and the broader topic of gender i ssues has been minimal within the profession, while serious discussion of gay male librarians and their professional identity has been virtu ally nil. This study compares the responses of straight and self-ident ified gay males to an exploratory survey of male members of the Americ an Library Association. The topics covered by the survey include reaso ns for entry into the field, the existence and identity of a male libr arian stereotype, and gender issues generally, including gender strati fication of work and sexual discrimination and/or harassment. Self-ide ntified gay subjects share many characteristics in common with the str aight cohort, including the identification of a gay male stereotype an d some denial surrounding gender equity issues. On the other hand, the tentative findings of this exploratory study raise the question of wh ether both gay and straight male subjects overestimate the number of g ay men in librarianship. The report concludes with an update on gay is sues within the profession since the survey was completed, and recomme ndations for further research.