Week 14 Prompt Response: LGBTQ Fiction and Urban Fiction

My first instinct is to say that we should not segregate either genre. I have noticed that some libraries and bookstores do separate mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, and other genres. On the surface, doing the same with these genres would make sense. The difference is that those traditional genre labels do not generally provoke a strong reaction. Individual titles or series (Harry Potter, for example) have been challenged, but whole genres seem to be less provocative than the LGBTQ and Urban Fiction genres.

I would interfile LGBTQ fiction but separate the Urban Fiction. The LGBTQ and Urban Fiction genres generate challenges but for different reasons.

Reason #1

Although society has made some progress tolerating if not accepting sexual and gender identity differences, the Orange City library incident demonstrates how far we have to go (Associated Press). I was disappointed when the library relented and grouped materials with LGBTQ content apart from the general collection. That approach, which makes the LGBTQ fiction easier to see, also makes it easier to avoid and to judge patrons who browse that section.  It further stigmatizes patrons struggling to find themselves reflected in library materials in order to feel less isolated.

Reason#2

Although the library is not removing the challenged items, it is affecting their use.  Free access also means that patrons are comfortable retrieving library materials of interest to them.

Reason #3

The Library Bill of Rights contains policy guidelines that are directly applicable to the Orange City library:

VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

(ALA)

Reason #4

Younger patrons trying to come to terms with their own identities in a community that is openly hostile to LGBTQ matters need to feel accepted and unafraid in their public library. A large part of that acceptance is to shelve LGBTQ materials inclusively with the larger collection community.  Gender identity and sexual orientation are subjects relevant to all ages. Our young patrons are also the most vulnerable. Their self-esteem is fragile and their need for acceptance from family and peers is acute. I have found children’s and YA books with LGBTQ content hidden between and behind materials in each library I have worked. The need for LGBTQ is clearly there. If the library separates and/or labels the materials, I do not think they would circulate as often as they do.

Reason#5

Urban Fiction brings up different considerations.

In “Urban Grit,” the author states, “Street lit is written by adults with an adult audience in mind” (Honig xx), but it is popular with teens, too. Honig also suggests shelving Urban Fiction separately. “Shelving street lit by itself allows readers looking for street lit to find it more easily, and avoids sending the message that your library believes there is only one universal “Black Experience” (Honig xix).

References

ALA (American Library Association). (2019). Library bill of rights. ALA.

Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill

Associated Press. (2018). Orange City library to change how materials are

grouped after complaints on LGBTQ content. Des Moines Register. Retrieved from https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/03/21/library-change-lgbtq-content-grouping-change-orange-city-iowa/445970002/

Honig, M. (2011). Introduction. In urban grit: A guide to street lit. Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited. [Files - Canvas].