Referencing the imaginary: An analysis of library collection of role-playing game materials

Simon Clifford

Schneider, E. and Hutchinson, B. (2015). Referencing the imaginary: An analysis of library collection of role-playing game materials. The Reference Librarian, 56(3), p. 174-188. doi: 10.1080/02763877.2014.1002716

Summary
Schneider and Hutchinson examine the frequency and distribution of tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) in library collections. They find that many libraries do not carry tabletop RPGs at all, and those that do tend to have very small collections. One publisher dominates library collections with its titles accounting for over 80% of library tabletop RPG holdings. Despite a wide range of tabletop RPGs in existence from a number of publishers, library collections are small and lack diversity. They acknowledge the claim that high rates of theft may be responsible for discouraging libraries from collecting the materials, but suggest the claim is unsubstantiated, and further suggest that digital collection could offer a solution.

Evaluation
Schneider and Hutchinson have provided here a good analysis of the current state of library collections across the country. From a collection development standpoint, this article is most valuable for demonstrating the lack of diversity in library holdings on the subject. It is also valuable for discussing why libraries tend not to build these collections. Ultimately its a niche work, but great for getting a basic understanding of the topic.