Week sixteen prompt

As a small child I can remember being read to constantly. Those early books were the ones my parents could afford, mostly Little Golden Books, as we did not live in an area with library services. I would read those books over and over again. When I began reading on my own, I was the child always walking around with my nose in a book. I wanted to read everything. I was eight years old when "The baby-sitter club" series began and I was hooked. Luckily, the series was popular and new books were published frequently. I recall the bookstore pre-ordering them for me and when they called, I literally could not wait to go, pick it up, devour it and anxiously await the next installment.

Currently, I am fortunate to have a public library to borrow books from as they are even more expensive and I read them just as fast. I still enjoy readings books that are part of a series and once I begin a new book, I literally cannot stop reading it.

I think the future of books will definitely exist. Ebooks are now a norm. I can see Google Glass and other similar products allowing for the wearer to listen or read through them. As technology evolves the options for entertainment will as well. We are raising future readers, so the demand will be there. Books will be printed as long as they are purchased.

I really enjoyed taking the Readers' Advisory class this semester. I was finally able to read fiction, learned a lot and had fun!

Week fifteen prompt

In the book, “Readers’ advisory in the public library”, Joyce Saricks devotes an entire chapter to Promoting and Marketing Readers’ Advisory Collections and Services. The information provides many ideas and suggestions in how to promote the collection to the patrons.

1.      Making the collection appealing to browse and find material is crucial to marketing and promotion. The books should be in good condition, the shelves should appear orderly and be well labeled. Location sign should be easily visible and conveniently placed. If the library is fortunate enough to have readers’ advisory services available, that area should be comfortable enough for a chat with a patron to assist them in finding a book to read. A sign and bookmark indicating the readers’ advisory services placed around the stacks and in the library will allow patrons to feel more comfortable when requesting services.

2.      Displays are a low-maintenance way to market any collection, theme, author, or subject in the collection. Displays can vary in size, but where there is space, there can be a book promotion. In the stacks, books can be faced outwards and displayed when room permits. They can be on end-caps, a table or even on book trucks. Patrons enjoy the suggestions and it is important to make sure to fill the display as soon as possible. A simple sign can grab attention and let the books speak for themselves.

3.      Bookmarks and book lists can be created to suggest titles and authors to the public. These items will be more time consuming in creation, but will then last as long as needed. Bookmarks can list popular books or authors, suggestions of similar books, especially when there are holds, or even release dates of books to come. Book lists can be compiled on any topic and can be used to suggest books to patrons or available as passive readers’ advisory.

      I think that simply talking to patrons is a great way to promote any material; fiction, non-fiction, movies or anything else. If a patron looks like they are looking for something, ask them. They will gladly let you know whether they would like assistance or are happily browsing. Taking care of the collection, keeping it current and well organized will help the collection to circulate and offering readers’ advisory services in person or through passive methods only can strengthen the library's offerings.  

References

Saricks, J. G, & Brown, N. (2009). Readers' advisory service in the public library.Chicago: American Library Association.

Annotated reading five - Urban fiction

Author: Mercedes G                                                                                           

Title: Shan presents “All I want is that hood love”

Genre: Street lit/Urban fiction

Publication Date: 2015

Number of Pages: 230 pages

Geographical Setting: Cuthbert, GA

Time Period: Present day

This is book one of the “All I want is that hood love” series. It is the sole title so far and ends with quite a cliff hanger.

Synopsis: Tay and Kira have grown up together as sisters escaping their impoverished lives and after completing their degrees they are professionals and still “ratchet” at heart. Kira has been in an abusive relationship and keeps going back. Tay is happily married to her one and only, JaMel and though she has had trouble carrying a child, she is elated to be pregnant again. Then comes the man she can’t stop thinking about, the sexy and rich drug kingpin, Mega. Will Tay stay true to her marriage and is JaMel keeping it real with her?

This book is considered urban fiction. It definitely meets the criteria of urban fiction as defined in this week’s readings, “In Urban Grit: A guide to street lit.” This novel is written in first-person with the main characters alternating the narratives by chapter. There are elements of street life, betrayal, revenge and a drug culture and references to hip-hop culture and current artists and trends. The language is explicit and uses slang and there are graphic sex scenes. This novel is independently published and available in print and as an ebook.

Titles that are similar include: “Fallin’ for a thug” by Mz. Lady P, “Secret lovers: What he don’t know, won’t hurt him” by Shameka Jones, “Side effects of loving you” by Dominique Thomas and other titles that are presented by Shan.

My library did not hold one title that fit the criteria of urban fiction; this was including the numerous ebooks held through a multi-library consortium. I found this book on Amazon and

really enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and it seemed real. I liked the alternating POVs and there were several surprising twists and turns. I will definitely read the next one in the series.

References

Honig, Megan. (2011). Introduction. In Urban Grit: A guide to street lit. Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited. 

Week fourteen prompt

According to the author of the article, “A place on the shelf”, “A separate section for gay and lesbian fiction might pose problems, making some readers feel exposed when browsing and others ghettoized. A good alternative is creating finding aids--online lists and print handouts (stored with other readers' advisory materials) that provide both access and privacy.” (Thomas, 2007) I tend to disagree with the rationale that Thomas provides for not separating the fiction. I believe that when considering separating LGBTQ and African American fiction, it depends on the size and dynamics of the library. In my library, which is a small public library that is inclusive of all material, I would not separate the collection initially. I would acquire (or make) subject labels and affix them to the appropriate titles. At that time, I would check the catalog record and modify it to make sure that the correct subject headings were listed to ensure patron ease in finding desired material. Additional “finding aids” like bookmarks and lists can be created to assist patrons in locating other titles.

Currently, our library has adult fiction, inspirational fiction, large print and mystery fiction separated in the adult area. Genre identification labels are used to designate fantasy, romance, science fiction, urban fiction and westerns. The decision of what stickers to add and where to place the material is subjective and can be a time consuming decision as many titles can fit into more than one category. More than one sticker can be place on a book, but the book can only be put in one designated physical genre section.  “On the other hand, genre browsers in an interfiled fiction collection are left to scan the shelves for genre stickers. This is much more time consuming than it is to locate one author in various genre collections.”(Trott, 2006) If patron demand and interest in the collection grew and warranted a sizable circulating collection, I would definitely reconsider separating out the collection as well as the other genres in the fiction area.

The article, “A house divided?” brings up this valid point concerning the grouping of African-American themed titles together, “With an author such as Walter Mosley, it is possible that a reader would have to look in science fiction, general fiction, and mystery fiction in order to locate all of his titles (unless, of course they were all grouped together in an African American fiction section, which raises another set of issues).” (Trott, 2006) The issue this brings up is what constitutes the LGBTQ fiction and African American Fiction. Is it the identity of the author? The main character? The example with Walter Mosley is a good one because he authors novels about strong black male heroes but in varied genres. There are also books in the young adult area that would benefit from label designations. Another consideration would be what to do with the YA titles and non-fiction if they were sectioned off. This is where readers' advisory services are crucial to helping patrons find what they want. Fortunately, libraries can adapt to patrons' needs and the collection will evolve to serve them. 

References

Thomas, D. (2007). A Place On the Shelf. Library Journal, 132(8), 40-43.

Trott, B., & Novak, V. (2006). A House Divided?. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 46(2), 33-38.

Week thirteen prompt

Young adult fiction is a common cross-over genre that many adults enjoy as well. It is the librarian’s role to become familiar with the appeal of the young adult collection and include it in readers’ advisory services. Our library has a designated young adult fiction section so it could be offsetting for some adult patrons to feel comfortable browsing. Passive readers’ advisory such as displays and bookmarks can highlight the YA fiction collection and make it more inviting to adult patrons to explore a new section of material in the library. With the emergence of New Adult fiction, the appeal to all audiences is even broader. According to Becky Spratford, Reader’s Services librarian at the Berwyn (IL) Public Library, “NA (new adult) books are circulating well, but to all adults under 40, not just the 20- to 30-year-olds we thought they would appeal to. Specifically, the romances are hugely popular with my under-50 romance readers.” (Enberg, 2014) The next question in my mind, is whether the NA books or in a separate area or have classification stickers. Incorporating these authors and books in readers’ advisory services is crucial to ensuring that the collection will circulate and will be easy to justify new acquisitions.

The appeal of graphic novels is very versatile. Librarians must encompass the graphic novels in offering readers’ advisory services. In my limited experience, those patrons who enjoy graphic novels tend to read them exclusively and will seek them out no matter where they are in the library. It is also important to keep the collection current and that all books in the series are held in the collection. Our library has a designated section in the youth area and a separate adult collection. The collection is thriving in both areas.

I don’t believe that the question of holding and adding material to the collection of YA and graphic novels as even a sustainable thought or consideration. It is important to use all material in the collection as a resource for providing patrons with readers’ advisory services. As long as there is interest in a subject, format or genre and it is circulating, it should be supported. If a collection is waning in circulation, it should be promoted more. If the interest is not there, then the collection does not need to expand. Each patron base is different and it is essential to provide patrons with the material they want.

References

Enberg, G., Seaman, D., & Vnuk, R. (2014). What Is New Adult Fiction?. Booklist, 110(22), 5.

Macdonald, H. (2013). How graphic novels became the hottest section in the library. Publishers Weekly, 260(18), 20-25.

Annotated reading four - Young adult

Author: Patricia McCormick

Title: “Sold”

Genre: Young adult

Publication Date: 2006

Number of Pages: 263 pages

Geographical Setting: The book begins in Nepal and ends in India

Time Period: Present day

This book is not part of a series.

Synopsis: Lakshmi has lived a life of poverty in a small village in Nepal. Her Ama (mother) is her saving grace and she dreams of being able to one day help her put a tin roof on their mud hut home. Lakshmi has a little brother who is hungry far too often and a step-father who gambles away any money the family has. Lakishma is thirteen years old when her step-father sells her off as a prostitute. This is the story of a little girl forced to grow up way too fast and see a world that should never exist.

This story is written in first-person narrative and free verse. This book reads very fast and the style of writing softens a very difficult topic to read in a “non-exploitative manner”.

This book is considered young adult fiction. It definitely meets the criteria of young adult fiction as discussed in week thirteen’s lecture information. This novel is very fast paced and centers on youth who are likable and facing major life issues.

I found this book haunting. Heartbreaking. I thought about why it was written in the form it was and it just simply works. When deciding upon a book for this annotation, I tried several other teen fiction books that I just could not get into. This book was recommended to me by a co-worker and classmate. Thanks Lauren!

Titles that are similar include: “Boys without names” by Kashmira Sheth, “Shabanu, daughter of the wind” by Suzanne Fisher Staples, ‘The queen of water” by Laura Resau and the non-fiction book, “I am Nujood, age 10 and divorced by Nujood Ali.

Similar authors include: Ellen Hopkins, Laurie Halse Anderson and Adam Rapp.  

Week twelve prompt

"The glass castle" by Jeannette Walls                                          


1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

    This book is highly narrative and reads very much like fiction.

2. What is the subject of this book?
 
    The subject is biographical and deals with addiction in parents, poverty and        mental illness.

3. What type of book is it?

     This book is non-fiction and a memoir.

4. Articulate appeal

    Pacing: This book is a very fast read as it reads like fiction and has short chapters.

    Intent of the author: This is a biographical tale of a now successful adult overcoming adversity.

    Focus of the story: The focus is on the Walls family and their upbringing in a poverty stricken             household as children of a father with alcoholism and a narcissistic mother and how they cling to       their dreams and never give up hope.

    Does the language matter? Yes. It helps to paint the picture of the family members.

    Is the setting important and well described? Yes. It is the setting is important and the description of     the environment. However, this type of story could take place anywhere.

    Are there details and, if so, of what? There are details about incidents that helped form Jeanette's         strongest memories and shaped her future.

    Are there charts and other graphic materials? No.

    Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding or experience? Yes. This book                     provides the reader with insight into a life of four children and parents who love them, but not             enough to put them first. This is hard to read at times as there are incidents of child neglect and           substance abuse.

5. Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?
1.  Interesting story and well-written   2. Tone of the book is positive about overcoming difficulties in life   3. Non-fiction that reads like fiction