The Circle of Lesbian Indexers: Many people would consider indexing a dry and opaque topic. Nor is it a common answer to the question of how we create more just, inclusive, happier communities. But a few librarians have seen liberatory possibilities in the index. The rich print culture of the lesbian feminist movement of the 1970s created a repository of information with few access points. Clare Potter and JR Roberts saw a need for a lesbian periodicals index, and framed this need in the context of their political struggles for justice, rights and recognition as well as happiness, belonging and peace. This index and the manner in which it was created reflect specific values and norms arising out of lesbian feminism. It’s also an interesting case study for those wondering how best to serve the information needs of underrepresented communities.

Erin Murray is an MLIS student at San Jose State University. Her extensive background as a library paraprofessional in academic libraries informs her career interests which include art librarianship, rare books and special collections, and instruction/reference, especially with unusual collections. She has also worked as a cataloger for several years and enjoys the meticulousness of metadata. She finds public-facing roles working with students, artists, and people generally to be particularly rewarding and hopes to continue supporting creative research of all kinds. She is also active as a student member of the Art Libraries Society of North America.