Space and peer concerns both play into the answer of whether or
not to separate the fiction section into different genres. If the library is a
small space, then having different genre sections may not be feasible. If the library has sufficient floor space,
separating the fiction section into Graphic Novels, Romance, GLBTQ, Teen, Urban
Lit may actually encourage people to browse and select books because patrons
will go to the location where the literature they like may be found. Instead of a large blob of books, the books
are in smaller clusters and easier to locate read-a-likes.
In his article on GLBTQ materials, Devon Thomas indicates that
the kind of community in which a library is a part does determine whether
certain genres will stand alone or not. If in a socially conservative community, Urban
Lit and GLBTQ stand-alone sections may inhibit browsing or reading. The
stand-alone sections may also attract the vocal attention of those who do not
embrace diverse opportunities for reading experiences. However, if the community is more open
regarding social issues and if the library serves a larger community that
utilizes Urban Lit and GLBTQ, then stand-alone sections are the way to go.
I think clustering genres is a useful way to organize a library
for three reasons. First, it breaks up the library into smaller, usable
chunks. It is not a wall of books in
shelf after shelf after shelf but visually stand-alone genres look like small
islands of respite. I agree with Vicki Novak that there is a “book cart
effect.” She states that library users
“commonly gravitate toward any smaller chunk of the collection they can find.”
(36) She points out that patrons often gather around carts that have recently
returned books or soon to be weeded books, because they are smaller chunks and
are manageable for browsing. Walls of books can be intimidating for a patron.
Second, I want people to have many different access points to
reading. Having multiple stand-alone
sections is a way for people to enter into literature. One thing will lead to
another. If a person enjoys Barbara
Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior the
patron may want to read more of Barbara’s work that also includes the
non-fiction Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.
The patron will use the catalogue or ask the librarian where more of Barbara’s
stuff is. If a patron wants to stay with a strong female character fiction
piece that deals with environmental concerns, then people will connect with
that literature through the stand-alone section. The role of the librarian and
the library is to provide reading experiences that patrons want. If patrons only want to read a certain genre,
does that really matter? They are reading. They are creating foot traffic in
the library. That is what is important.
Third, one of Ranganathan’s “laws” is to save the time of the
reader. Organizing reading material by
genre can save the time of and eliminate the frustration of the patron when the
patron knows exactly what he or she wants.
When a genre is collected together, the selection process of the next
book is easier and faster.
Works
Cited:
Trott, Barry, and Vicki Novak. "A House Divided? Two Views
on Genre Separation." Reference & User Services Quarterly 46.2
(2006): 33-38. Academic Search Premier. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.
No comments:
Post a Comment