About the Journal

Aims & Scope

The aim of this journal is to encourage research and discussion of trans and gender diverse topics in the library profession in order to develop and enhance policies and practices and to understand and improve the experiences of trans and gender diverse patrons, employees, and students. The journal publishes articles that address trans and gender diverse inclusion, issues, and experiences in the library profession. We are particularly interested in work that addresses trans and gender diverse topics with an intersectional lens (e.g. how queer, trans, and gender diverse oppression overlaps with anti-Blackness, racism, colonialism, ableism, classism, etc.).

We use “library profession” broadly to include school, public, academic, special, and corporate libraries; archives (including community archives); library programs; library organizations; and professional expectations for library workers (including professional development, scholarship, and service). “Trans and gender diverse” includes binary and nonbinary trans people as well as anyone whose gender does not fall into the binary of trans or cis.

Content

Murmurations will feature a variety of types and lengths of materials. All must center trans and gender diverse topics and people in libraries.

Peer reviewed (through Collaborative Community Review)

Research-Based Articles are analytical and critical articles consisting of original research.
Case Studies are analytical reports of activities, initiatives, and policies that can serve as a blueprint or framework for emulation.
Conceptual Articles build upon and engage with existing literature, theory, and/or lived experiences to propose new policies, practices, and frameworks for furthering inclusion in the library profession.
Reviews cover books, articles, zines, and other resources.
Other Works may be considered on a case by case basis.

Not peer reviewed

Creative Works include drawings, written or recorded music, video recordings, zines, poetry, fiction, photography, and comics. Creative works must be by trans and gender diverse creators and will not undergo the same peer review process as other submissions.
Perspectives and Oral Histories can consist of personal reflections, interviews, commentaries, or opinion pieces on issues. These works may be in audio, video, or written format; audiovisual works must include accurate transcripts. The authors of personal reflections and the subjects of interviews and oral histories must be trans or gender diverse people. Works in this category will not undergo the same peer review process as other submissions.

Community Commitments

Our Commitments to the Community

Commit to creating and maintaining spaces where trans and gender diverse people can participate fully and safely
Approach our work and community as a project of collective knowledge-creation and learning
Value and support many forms of knowledge and expression, scholarly and otherwise
Actively work to make our processes, content, and community accessible
Prioritize building authentic, supportive relationships over efficiency or traditional academic hierarchies
Encourage care and well-being in our work together and community, in support of sustainable participation
Work to reject traditional academic gatekeeping and challenge systems and scholarly economies that determine (and limit) what and whose knowledge is valued
Don’t be transphobic, homophobic, racist, ableist, etc. Obviously.

Expectations for Editorial Board Members

Create and contribute to an inclusive and welcoming environment. The Editorial Board does not tolerate racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, fatphobia, or other forms of oppression (e.g. defense or apologism for imperialism, colonialism, and/or genocide)
Abstain from using generative AI (including but not limited to ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, NotebookLM, Midjourney, and similar tools) at any point in the brainstorming, drafting, or revising of any content for Murmurations, including, but not limited to; communications (e.g. emails or social media content), documentation (policies, workflows, etc.), and website or journal content
Stay informed about what is happening with the Journal and participate in making decisions on issues, policies, and other Editorial Board matters
Engage in consensus-based decision-making processes

Expectations for Authors

Create and contribute to an inclusive and welcoming environment. The Editorial Board does not tolerate racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, fatphobia, or other forms of oppression (e.g. defense or apologism for imperialism, colonialism, and/or genocide). The Editorial Board may choose to end a working relationship with prospective or published authors at any time if they feel this agreement has been violated.
Abstain from using generative AI (including but not limited to ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, NotebookLM, Midjourney, and similar tools) at any point in the brainstorming, drafting, or revising of any content for Murmurations, including, but not limited to; communications (e.g. emails or social media content), documentation (policies, workflows, etc.), and website or journal content

Expectations for Reviewers & Copyeditors

Respect authors’ stated identities, pronouns, and privacy. Never speculate about transition history or disclose personal information. Center trans expertise and lived experience as equal to academic credentials (ie. don’t be weird about trans stuff y’all)
Approach authors as partners in knowledge creation, not subjects of evaluation. Practice generous reading, embrace mutual learning, and focus on developing potential rather than identifying deficits
Offer supportive guidance that strengthens work while respecting agreed-upon timelines. Ask clarifying questions rather than making assumptions, and engage transparently in collaborative dialogue
Participate authentically in community conversations, including attending virtual review meetings, contributing to collaborative review & feedback, and sharing your own learning and perspective throughout the process
Value both lived experience and professional expertise, considering community impact, accessibility, scholarly rigor, and practical application in your feedback
Advocate for realistic timelines, ask for support when needed, maintain confidentiality, and practice sustainable engagement that honors your well-being while fulfilling commitments