The consequences of the heterosexual norm

The aim of this paper is to study the heterosexual norm in classification and indexing and its effects on the retrieval of gay literature in Swedish public libraries. This by answering the following research questions:

1. How does the heterosexual norm appear in classification systems and subject headings lists?
2. In what way do the heterosexual norm in classification systems and subject headings lists effect the retrieval of gay literature? The method is textual analysis of research on the subject in Library- and Information Science (LIS). The theoretical framework for the study includes critical classification theory, using earlier research from Joacim Hansson (1999) and Hope A. Olson (1998, 2002). And a queer theoretical perspective to see and question the heterosexual norm. Earlier Swedish research on the subject mostly consists of Master’s thesis within LIS. The research show that both classification and indexing reflects the heterosexual norm in society. Non-norm groups are included though separation or excluded (Hansson 1999). This is both a fact in the Swedish classification system as well as the subject headings list. Problems with lack of retrieval is caused by inadequate fiction indexing and the classification system organizing gay literature in many different places in the library. Studies of homosexuals as a user group show that fiction and libraries are important in the process of creating an identity for this group. The Swedish public libraries, from a queer theoretical perspective, becomes one of the institutions that help manifest the heterosexual norm in society.