Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Fat people’s experiences are understudied within the field of library and information science. In response to this, the objective of this master’s paper is to center fat patrons and promote thoughtful consideration of their information needs. Utilizing an unobtrusive methodology, eight self-identified fat participants visited a total of 20 public libraries and asked for assistance finding resources about fat positivity. Library staff were initially uninformed about the study to enable more authentic reference encounters. Through an evaluation of resource suggestions and a content analysis of participant reflections, this paper examines fat people’s sense of belonging and the quality of service and resources they are provided in public libraries. The findings aim to inform and improve library services.
DOI: 10.17615/c117-as74
Author: Hutchens, Sophia
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language: English
Subfield: Library and Information Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7154703221
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