Public libraries in the discourse of Drag Queen Story Time challengers and supporters

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this case study is to understand the worldviews of Drag Queen Story Time (DQST) challengers and supporters as they relate to public libraries. The findings are used to theorize the underlying motivations of the two groups and provide insight into issues of library practice. Design/methodology/approach This case study employed qualitative thematic analysis to analyze 406 publicly available letters written by community members in support or opposition of DQST programming offered at the Okanagan Regional Library in Canada in 2019. Findings Dominant themes emerged on the public library's nature, function and neutrality. Supporters believed that public libraries value democracy, foster development of individuals, and advance human rights. Challengers believed that public libraries had a role as a protector and should be unaligned, passive, moral and not educate on certain topics. Both groups recognized neutrality as a foundational element in libraries, though its role in upholding democracy was viewed critically by supporters and positively by challengers. Originality/value The value of this study comes first from the unique dataset, a large corpus of text that offers a close look at the worldviews of both DQST challengers and supporters. Examining this case reveals detailed interpretations of library issues directly by public library patrons, such as neutrality. The analysis makes novel theorizations on how humanism, Christian integralism and Bourdieu's symbolic power can be used to understand the nature of the discourse from the opposing user groups, thereby informing library professionals on differing perspectives. In light of the arguments found, a new context is added to the professional issue of neutrality and social responsibility and suggestions are offered as a path forward.