As a past library director, I have encountered several scenarios that guide me with answering the topic this week. Yes, there are times as an individual I wouldn't personally put an item in a library ... but, as the International Federation of Library Associations pinpoints, "The main reason to write a collection development policy is to prevent the library from being driven by events or by individual enthusiasms and from purchasing a random set of resources, which may not support the mission of the library." Now, this "taking yourself out of the equation" is a difficult task - but, it is imperative to remember you are actually working for the public in a public library. Without the taxpayers money, there would be no acquisitions! Secondly, separating the "topics" makes it more of an issue than just intermingling into the regular collection - 1 reason I say this is because many people wouldn't even notice the "topic" unless there is undue attention. Granted, not all library patrons might like these topics, but, that is why a trained professional is supposed to do collection development. Thirdly, why should a middle-class, white librarian decide what is "right" and what is "wrong." Just because a library collection development person might not like a certain life style, race, religion or way of life doesn't give me the right to "null-and-void" a collection. Thus, isn't a card catalog available to "search" for items & topics - so, why should there be a special display!?!
I had to "re-catalog" an entire small library in 2005 & it isn't very much fun! The closed-minded lady I took over for had cataloged books into topics such as "red" labels for mystery, "green" labels for adventure, "pink" for family ... etc etc. Let me just say, having an author in 4 different "locations" is preposterous!
I think all library users deserve the right to "anonymity" & that is taken away if a "special" section is declared - wouldn't it be obvious who was looking @ GBLTQ books when they walked by this area ... ??
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As a past library director, I have encountered several scenarios that guide me with answering the topic this week. Yes, there are times as ...
I agree, what do you with authors like James Patterson or Ridley Pearson who write for both adults and teens?
ReplyDeleteI will mention that in the children's section at the library that I work at, we do have popular characters like Disney Princesses and Thomas in their own little area (because they are written by various authors) and they do fly off the shelves. We also have something called the Neighborhoods, where we do have a small sample of books that are " Song and Rhymes", " Transportation", "Nature", "Concepts", "Celebrations" and again, another "Popular" shelf ( which is really should have included stuff from the bigger popular shelf but instead has lesser-known characters like Bob the Builder, Scooby-Doo, and non-Disney Princess). Kind of wish things like Arthur would be on the popular shelf, especially since there are about 4 or 5 authors with the last name of Brown.
Even though "I get" the separation thing ... there is a card catalog & these items are searchable ... so, separating to me is just redundant - especially for a shelver who has to separate their books to shelve into 10 different categories ... just seems like a waste of time in the long run ... I mean, it is why there is a card catalog ... I've also had to catalog an entire small library from bottom up - probably another reason I feel the way I do! Most people just come into a system & do what has been done ... I don't agree with the "just cause that is the way we do it" as the best policy most of the time! But, again, just my opinion ;)
DeleteOOPS - I was signed into a library account I guess ...
DeleteI agree that too many labels are not good. If you live in a area with a lot of African Americans and Hispanics, I believe it is good to have those in a separate section. Recently the classical fictional books have moved and I had to familiarize myself with the new place. I personally think it is easier to look for the books by last name in the fiction, rather than what kind of fictional book it is.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I suppose the other thing about the cataloging is that if the fiction is all put together in one large section, the subject headings on the fiction would need become much more important. At that point, I would want to be able to easily pull the science fiction and fantasy out and browse it online. However, since my system has an SF section, it is possible for me to sort by call number and have the adult science fiction and fantasy books in one group.
ReplyDelete