A Case for Popular Culture in Academic Library Collection Development

Blick, W. M. (2015) Pulp Poets and Superhero Prophets: A Case for Popular Culture in Academic Library Collection Development. Community & Junior College Libraries, 21:1-2, 5-10, DOI: 10.1080/02763915.2015.1111069

Notes on the article:

·        Argues for popular culture materials in academic libraries

o   Not for leisure purposes

o   For sociological and relevant issues

o   Keeps students interested by learning through medium they like

§  Maus + Watchmen referenced

o   Find balance between functionality and diversity

§  Argues academic libraries focus to much on functionality rather than diversity

I found this article particularly interesting as the literary and sociological importance of non-traditional media is a particular interest to me. The article specifically argues that materials like comic books, graphic novels, film, and music can be of importance for academic collections for popular culture references. I posit that this can takes a step further and that video games and manga can be analyzed for similar purposes, but it is nice to see this process being discussed on an academic level.

I think this article did an excellent job justifying its case for these types of materials in academic library collections. Part of its justification was that Academic libraries tend to focus too much on functionality rather that diversity.