note: cataloging of library content does not include
a full spectrum of terms LGBTQ+ communities use
to describe themselves
Methods
- Combine search terms to improve the relevance of your search results
Examples:
- queer AND art
- queer AND culture
- queer AND "pop culture"
- gay AND culture
- Build and keep list of terms to mix and match in various sources
- make a word list
- do multiple searches
- keep adding to your search term list as you explore sources
- note language changes over time
- as you view search results, note the different words used
- in various time periods
- to find the precedent or history of an issue, we may need to use the language of the time to retrieve relevant results
- in different disciplines
- use the results of a "peer reviewed" article search in the library catalog, read the keywords, subject headings, descriptors, these all work like hashtags
- Note and explore related topics
- places to find related topics and concepts include Wikipedia, the item descriptions and content suggested in library search results, and subject search suggestions and refinements offered by a library discovery tool or database
Examples of historic LGBTQ+ terminology
- historical terms common place in historic content may include homosexuals, gays, lesbians, sexual minorities, transsexual, and transvestism
- Queer and transgender is used more frequently now
- older terms include female/male impersonator for drag performer