For this week I have been tasked to determine if it would be better to integrate diverse reads into normal fiction versus separating them.
Naturally, this is a dynamic question, and it is one that I have spent the entire week pondering - no joke. There are truly downfalls and benefits to both approaches; however, I believe it is best to separate diverse and other reads. I came to this conclusion after a deep reflection about my past five years as a library professional, as well as someone who is neurodivergent and LGBTQ+. Here are my thoughts:
- Patrons regularly request separate sections and/or assume that specific genres are already separated from traditional fiction. One of the most frequent questions I have heard as a librarian is, "Where is your mystery section?" Patrons, quite frankly, assume that certain genres of fiction are separated. Additionally, at my current library, we have inspirational fiction separated from traditional fiction. When I have told patrons about this, when it becomes apparent that they are most interested in that genre, their eyes will light up with joy. I have also had Black patrons ask for books by Black authors. As an LGBTQ+ person, I wish there was an LGBTQ+ section. It seems as though readers naturally seek out certain sections of fiction instead of fiction as a whole.
- If we did not separate any genres, then the fiction section would be huge. HUGE! For practicality's sake, it is simply important to have fiction in one general area (although separated) instead of the entire section being an A - Z-by-author's-last-name scenario. Even the non-fiction section is ultimately divided into different areas to aid the ease of search. And when we break down the fiction section into some of the most important and requested genres, BIPOC voices and LGBTQ+ (among other diverse reads) will be at the top of the most requested genres.
- It's fun to window shop! Let's face it: if I am a fan of a certain genre, I will probably want to read as much as I can from that genre. And one of the best ways to look for other authors and series in certain genres is to explore a section of a bookstore dedicated to that genre (and, yes, if bookstores have fiction divided into numerous diverse genres, then so should the library). While many libraries currently separate sci-fi, fantasy, western, mystery, and even religious fiction, then other, more diverse genres, should also have the dignity of a dedicated section.
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your post on this topic as it was quite different from others that I've read thus far! I find it interesting that you have inspirational fiction separated from traditional fiction. At my library much of our materials are shelved by subgenres. We have fiction, non-fiction, western, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, romance, etc.
Do you think if the LGBTQ and Urban Fiction reads were shelved within their own sections that it would generate more circulation of the materials?
I too love to window shop. One of my favorite things to do is go to the bookstore and just browse the shelves to see what jumps out at me.
Yes! I was pleasantly surprised to read my fellow librarians' thoughts on the matter, because as you noted, my response is a bit different. I wonder if that has to do with the fact that I live in a very, very pro-LGBTQ+ area (Dayton, Ohio). Also, as someone who is neurodivergent, I like the idea of subcategories, and I wish that even more genres were separated in addition to diverse reads. For example, I would love to window shop a section of urban fantasy!
DeleteI love seeing all the great responses to this response. I too love to window shop. Great response and full points!
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