Week 14 Prompt Response
In a previous post, I discussed the value of genre and subgenre labeling to empower patrons to be self-reliant in browsing the shelves and learn more about genres. Also, sorting juvenile fiction by genre could help youth discover new genres, find more books in their favorite genre, and increase the number of books checked out overall.
However, in this scenario of being asked to only separate GLBTQ books and Urban Fiction, I would say no to that request (especially if it’s negatively requested). On a basic level, it would be tedious work to constantly filter through the collections (assuming they aren’t genre labeled), taking away hours of library work that could have been better utilized.
Additionally, if the requests to separate these genres are based on not wanting them with the general collection, making a special place for them could seem like favoritism as they would appear more prominent over the rest of the collection. This could cause further complaint or conflict.
Another reason to deny this request by patrons is that separating the genres could go against proper ethical conduct. For patrons who read, identify, and enjoy these genres, it could come off negatively and make readers feel “othered.” A SLJ article said some believe separating GLBTQ books “… doesn’t make the books ‘special’ but instead says the books—and by connection the people they represent—don’t belong with the rest of the collection, a parallel to shelving titles separately” (Yorio & Ishizuka, 2018). Baker (2019) shares that availability and integration of GLBTQ books school and public library collections are “‘…an easy first step, and a simple tool to help young people feel seen and validated’” in a safe place.
Although, after going through the readings for this week, I did think it would be great to designate display space entirely devoted to featuring different genres & subgenres on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. It could help patrons feel comfortable and more aware of genres/subgenres, popular and lesser known, that lie on the shelves. This endeavor was inspired by the Urban Grit reading, which said investing in and displaying Urban Fiction may result in libraries “…find[ing] interest you hadn’t expected, or you may reach members of your community you didn’t know were there” (Introduction ix). And considering patrons of that latter sentiment is what makes it important to take care in how libraries sort and present their collections.
Baker, D. (2019). Authors and Librarians on Why Schools and Libraries Need LGBTQ+ Books. Book Riot. Retrieved from https://bookriot.com/2019/09/27/authors-and-librarians-on-why-schools-and-libraries-need-lgbtq-books/
Honig, M. (2011). Introduction. In Urban Grit: A guide to street lit. Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited.
Welch, R. (2010). Everything Street Literature. In Moyer, J. E. (Ed.), Integrated Advisory Service. Libraries Unlimited.
Yorio, K. & Ishizuka, K. (2018). Shelving Debate: To Separate or Integrate? SLJ. Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=shelving-debate-separate-or-integrate
However, in this scenario of being asked to only separate GLBTQ books and Urban Fiction, I would say no to that request (especially if it’s negatively requested). On a basic level, it would be tedious work to constantly filter through the collections (assuming they aren’t genre labeled), taking away hours of library work that could have been better utilized.
Additionally, if the requests to separate these genres are based on not wanting them with the general collection, making a special place for them could seem like favoritism as they would appear more prominent over the rest of the collection. This could cause further complaint or conflict.
Another reason to deny this request by patrons is that separating the genres could go against proper ethical conduct. For patrons who read, identify, and enjoy these genres, it could come off negatively and make readers feel “othered.” A SLJ article said some believe separating GLBTQ books “… doesn’t make the books ‘special’ but instead says the books—and by connection the people they represent—don’t belong with the rest of the collection, a parallel to shelving titles separately” (Yorio & Ishizuka, 2018). Baker (2019) shares that availability and integration of GLBTQ books school and public library collections are “‘…an easy first step, and a simple tool to help young people feel seen and validated’” in a safe place.
Although, after going through the readings for this week, I did think it would be great to designate display space entirely devoted to featuring different genres & subgenres on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. It could help patrons feel comfortable and more aware of genres/subgenres, popular and lesser known, that lie on the shelves. This endeavor was inspired by the Urban Grit reading, which said investing in and displaying Urban Fiction may result in libraries “…find[ing] interest you hadn’t expected, or you may reach members of your community you didn’t know were there” (Introduction ix). And considering patrons of that latter sentiment is what makes it important to take care in how libraries sort and present their collections.
Resources
Baker, D. (2019). Authors and Librarians on Why Schools and Libraries Need LGBTQ+ Books. Book Riot. Retrieved from https://bookriot.com/2019/09/27/authors-and-librarians-on-why-schools-and-libraries-need-lgbtq-books/
Honig, M. (2011). Introduction. In Urban Grit: A guide to street lit. Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited.
Welch, R. (2010). Everything Street Literature. In Moyer, J. E. (Ed.), Integrated Advisory Service. Libraries Unlimited.
Yorio, K. & Ishizuka, K. (2018). Shelving Debate: To Separate or Integrate? SLJ. Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=shelving-debate-separate-or-integrate
I really appreciate that you point out the positives and negatives of subgenres. It really is all about the intention. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteExcellent points and I love highlighting the different genres and sub genres via displays rather than segregated shelving. Full points!
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