MU Professors Research Romance Fiction in Public Libraries
By Linda Esser, Denice Adkins and Diane Velasquez
“We put red dots on all of our paperback romances, then place them on a rack at the back of the library. Some of the staff refer to it as the ‘Red Dot District’’’. – a public librarian
This kind of thinking, that relegates romance fiction and its readers to the “Red Dot District”, is still very much a part of professional practice in today’s public libraries. While public librarians appear to be increasingly tolerant of readers’ choices, recent research indicates remnants of the high culture/low culture distinction is embedded in many librarians’ attitudes toward romance fiction and its readers.
In 2005, an exploratory study conducted in Missouri, focused on the attitudes of Missouri public librarians toward romance fiction and the individuals who read them. The Missouri study surveyed a sampling of 126 public library agencies located throughout the state. Results of the Missouri study provide a snapshot of romance acquisitions processes, cataloging practices, and attitudes toward romance fiction readers and their reading. It also raised more questions than it answered. Rather than the expected outcome that public librarians’ attitudes had changed over time, the data pointed to the conclusion that, in practice, they continue to make judgments and comments based on patrons’ reading choices, particularly that of romance fiction.
The unanticipated outcomes of the Missouri research prompted a similar study on the national level funded by a grant from the Romance Writers of America. During 2006 and early 2007, a combination questionnaire of survey and open-ended questions was sent to 1,020 public librarians across the United States to gather information regarding demographics, collections, reader advisory practices, and attitudes toward romance fiction and its readers. Three hundred and ninety-six usable returns came from libraries in 48 states, and focus group discussions and interviews were held with librarians at national, state and regional conferences to further investigate the topic.
Reassuring results indicate many of the public librarians who responded both collect and promote romance fiction in the libraries where they work.
“I make sure that the patrons have the kinds of books they want. I do not allow anyone to disparage romance novels or their readers. I find those who dismiss romances as ‘cheap’ or ‘illiterate’ to be unbearably pretentious & think that their elitist snobbery is a smokescreen to hide their own intolerance.”
Promotion efforts include reader advisory services and collecting romance-specific reader advisory resources. Approximately one-half of the public librarians report having romance fiction displays in their respective libraries; 13% host romance author visits. A few libraries (8%) carry romance-oriented journals such as Romantic Times and 6% host romance discussion groups.
Romance fiction continues to be contested ground between public librarians who have claimed the intellectual high ground and its readers who are asserting their rights to choose books they enjoy. The public librarians who responded to the questionnaire provide clear indications that the good/bad categorization of romance fiction and the marginalization of its readers is alive and well in public libraries. Their answers suggest women who read romance fiction are somehow intellectually less capable, intellectually exhausted, or are pseudo-intellectuals who make excuses for reading romance fiction.
Other public librarians consider romance fiction a means to lead an uninformed and illiterate readership to the literary high ground, improving both their reading skills and reading tastes along the way. One response makes explicit the marginalization of romance fiction collections in public libraries, and underscores the attitude of the librarian who conferred the title, “Red Dot District” on the romance fiction section of the library.
“I’ve heard the comments (negative) [sic] about romance books, but I’m tolerant. Just really glad that people read at all; and, we’re not all cut out to read Literature all the time.”
Denice Adkins and Linda Esser are Associate Professors at The University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Diane Velasquez is an Assistant Professor at Dominican.
Libraries Love Romance Contest Winners Announced
Romance Writers of America® announced the winners in its first Libraries Love Romance contest on Monday, October 15th. Libraries from all over the country entered the contest, which seeks to recognize excellence in library programs and promotions focusing on romance fiction. The top prizes for winning libraries include $500 and a set of 2007 RITA-winning novels. The contest hosted two divisions, one for romance fiction programs or events and one for displays and promotions. The entries were narrowed down to six libraries that demonstrated outstanding support of the romance genre. From there, RWA members voted for the top library in each division.
The Memphis Public Library and Information Center in Memphis, Tennessee, won first place in Division 1 for its outstanding support of the romance genre through programs/events. The program and events include the library’s Book Club Conference and Book Talk radio program, which demonstrate only part of the Memphis Public Library’s commitment to romance fiction. The Book Club Conference was a free, all-day workshop held at the library (featuring numerous romance authors), and Book Talk, the library’s radio program, often hosts romance authors. The library also trains its staff members on the genre, continually develops its romance collection, and prominently encourages romance reading to the Memphis community through its displays.
The Wayne Public Library in Wayne, New Jersey, grabbed the top spot in Division 2 for the continual, tremendous focus on its romance fiction collection and romance authors through displays and promotions. The staff at the Wayne Public Library showcases titles by local romance authors through displays and “Read Locally” pamphlets. The librarians also include romance novels on most every theme in displays and provide written guides and recommendations on romance subgenres to readers. Thanks to the work of the Wayne Public Library, the Wayne community not only has access to a large number of current romance titles in a wide variety of formats - from large print to audio - but they also have comprehensive resource guides at their fingertips through the library and its Web site.
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Check out November's Current Romance Releases
Aarsen, Carolyne
Yuletide Homecoming
Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Inspirational
Adrian, Lara
Midnight Awakening
Bantam
Paranormal
Alden, Jami
Private Party
Kensington Aphrodisia Erotic Romance
Alexander, Carrie
A Town Called Christmas
Harlequin Superromance
Contemporary (series)
Allison, Meg
Alaina's Promise
Samhain
Historical
Anand, Valerie
The House of Lanyon
MIRA
Historical
Anderson, Caroline
Caring for His Baby
Harlequin Romance
Contemporary (series)
Apodaca, Jennifer
Extremely Hot
Kensington
Contemporary
To see the rest of the November 2007 romance releases, click here.
Romance Titles are Topping the Charts!
RWA tracks the romance titles which hit the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly and USA Today bestseller lists. Click here to see which romance authors have made their way onto the list!
A Note from Former RWA Library Liaison
After thirteen years as RWA's Library Liaison, I've decided not to volunteer for the position after this term is up. My duties will be taken over by the paid staff. I will continue to work closely with the library community as I did before RWA had a library liaison. I just won't be representing the organization any longer.
I want to thank everyone who has been so helpful all these years (John Charles, Kristin Ramsdell, Shelley Mosley, Joyce Saricks, Joanne Hamilton-Selway, Jayne Ann Krentz, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips among others) and I want to thank the librarians who have contributed in so many ways to the romance reader friendly revolution over the past decade.
Librarians Rule!
Cathie Linz
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