Chapman, E. L., & Birdi, B. (2016). “It’s Woefully Inadequate”: Collections of LGBTQ* Fiction for Teens in English Public Library Services. Journal of Research on Libraries & Young Adults, 7(1), 1–29.

Summary:

This article highlights a study conducted in the UK that investigates how accessible and available LGBTQ+ fiction is to teens in British libraries. Using a mix methods approach they compared library holdings and collections to a list of LGBTQ+ resources and titles they created and collected to see how  much of that list was present and in what formats. Sadly the reported findings suggested that very few libraries had a strong collection of up to date and positive LGBTQ+ fiction available for young readers. Research suggested there were significant gaps and much needed room for improvement across most of the library branches they surveyed. The MLIS staff who were interviewed were often shocked and disappointed that so little relevant titles and resources were available.

Evaluation: 

Though the results of the study proved disappointing because of the clear lack of titles available to LGBTQ+ youth and teens the study was very successful in exposing a gap in the collection. The results of the study were distributed to the branches they conducted their research at and the staff were able to see their lack of collection and start to address it. The staff also were given access to the list created be the researchers so they could build and grow their collection of LGBTQ+ materials that are genuinely wanted by LGBTQ+ teens. 

A Part of Our Lives: A People’s History of the American Library

Weigand, W. A. (2015). Part of our lives: A people’s history of the american public library. New York, New York: Oxford University Press.

            This short 270-page book about the history of American libraries. After reading this I felt invigorated and proud to be part of the library system. It covers the origins of the library from Benjamin Franklin to Harry Potter. The transformation and evolution of the library system in the United States is impressive and agile. It will fill anyone with hope for the library’s future relevance and perseverance.

            I was taken by surprise to learn about the exclusion of women in libraries and the viewpoints on literature in the early days of the library. Many topics covered professionally and academically are included in this history from icons like Pura Belpre, the first Puerto Rican librarian to the principles of the American Library Association (ALA) like the Library Bill of Rights.

            I recommend this book to all library students and library supporters.

Tags: library, American Library Association, public library, history, Library Bill of Rights

Using Evidence in Practice: Evidence for Development and Enhancement of a Popular Reading Collection in an Academic Library

Bailey, Rachel

Hackman, T., Corlett-Rivera, K. & Larson, E. (2014). Using evidence in practice: Evidence for development  and enhancement of a popular reading collection in an academic library. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 9(4), 82-85.

Summary: Users of the McKeldin Library at the University of Maryland often requested non-academic books. Because of this, the Librarian for English and Linguistics proposed the addition of a popular reading collection. This article addresses the process the librarian goes through to acquire these materials as well as students’ responses to the new collection.

Evaluation: I am glad that the librarian listened to the wishes of the library’s clientele. Although McKeldin Library’s main function is for academic pursuits, it’s nice that the requests of users were taken into account. Since the students, most likely, visit McKeldin often, it’s nice that they can get all their reading needs in one place.