While I can see both sides of this issue, I can answer both as
a librarian and a lesbian that I would be for giving the LGBT fiction and
African-American fiction their own sections. First of all, I look at giving these
genres their own section as a way to show the library supports minority groups
(reason #1). I don’t know why a negative connotation has to be attached to
moving these genres; why can’t we celebrate the fact that there are
African-American and LGBT authors out there? Let’s put them in the spotlight
since they have not been for so long. Also this is a way for the library to
show they celebrate these groups of people. I think most minority groups,
whoever they are, would like to see a section that reflects them positively.
The second reason I think they should be separated is
because their titles will be easier to find. If the patron knows the title they
are looking for and want to just come in and not use the PAC, they can go right
to that section. This is also a good chance for them to look through the
section and possibly find another author or book they are interested in. With
the choices of these authors being nil, it is beneficial for patrons to have
the selection all together so they can discover new reading options.
I personally think if there isn’t a big deal made about a
genre, most people will just accept it. LGBT and AA books are merely just
another genre. This is my number three reason, they are just another genre.
Mystery, Inspirational Fiction, Horror, etc are separated out, I don’t see why
these genres can’t be as well. I understand general genres like Mystery and Horror
don’t have the social history that AA or LGBT does. I do think there may be
some patrons who don’t want to look at those sections and who are not happy
about it but (reason #4) now they don’t have to accidentally get stuck with a
book they don’t want. If they are browsing a section and the LGBT and AA are
still mixed in, they could pick a book with gay characters that they don’t
realize is gay themed; separating them out would fix that problem.
Nice to read a different perspective that highlights the benefits of separating these titles out, like celebrating authors who may have been brushed over in the past. I still think that it would be great if a patron picks up a book that they might not normally because it can broaden their horizons, but as you point out, there are patrons who might not appreciate this! You've provided me more food for thought.
ReplyDeleteSeparating genres out does help people avoid broad themes that they may not want to read, but I kind of like the idea of picking up a book that you wouldn't ordinarily read, because you don't know what the genre is.
ReplyDeleteI like both the point "they're just another genre" and "these authors deserve to be highlighted." At first they seem like opposites, but then you realize certain authors may be... not exactly hidden, but glossed over, because of what they write. Treat them like any other genre and give them their rightful time in the spotlight.
I agree with your points, Amy, and appreciate your personal perspective. Maybe it is easier for me to argue for separate Urban and GBLTQ fiction sections since my branch already has an Urban fiction section and I have had patrons ask specifically for those titles. However I don't envision moving all works by African Americans, just those that fit the characteristics of Urban fiction. So definitely Teri Woods, but Toni Morrison would keep her place in the general fiction shelves in my hypothetical library.
ReplyDelete