As both an aspiring librarian and
avid reader of YA literature and graphic novels, I do not believe that it is
productive that we, as library staff, restrict adults from being able to enjoy
these formats. I grew up on popular YA titles, such Harry Potter and Charlie
Bone, and these are novels I enjoy being able to re-read because they serve as
a source of nostalgia for me. I can fully engage with the magic and the friendship
that these novels provide through series that promote imagination and
creativity.
I find it
counterintuitive to restrict this imagination and creativity in adults that are
seeking popular titles in YA literature and graphics novels. I am also very
visually when it does come to reading and it really helps me when I am able to
sit down and read a series that are graphic novels or adult comics. I can enjoy
the events of the novel so much more when I am not forced to imagine what the
characters or setting looks like physically. I would be intentional in my role
as a librarian to promote these formats to adult patrons that are seeking
novels that meet their needs, not my expectations of their needs.
It is
important to keep this mind when we approach our work as librarians as we would
not want to impose our own, potentially misguided, knowledge or personal genre
preferences onto patrons. They come in seeking a specific format or genre, and
it is very important that we do not reveal our own genre preferences or
judgments onto their reading interests. This includes YA literature and graphic
novels because they are just as an important medium for reading as print or
eBooks.
A good way
of promoting YA literature or graphic novels may be to create an age-neutral
display of these genre-specific YA or graphic novels so both adults and young
adults can peruse. This promotes the library’s collection of graphic novels and
YA literature for the benefit of library staff and the patrons so no one feels
restricted or judged from checking out these genres/formats. It would also be
helpful to include a list of other YA literature or graphic novels within the
display so patrons could take these lists for potential read-a-likes that are
available in the library’s present collection.
I absolutely agree! We should not impose our preferences on patrons. I think that is one of the best things about this class. We are forced to look at genres that we wouldn't normally pick up. We have to determine what readers would enjoy this rather than having the idea of "Who would enjoy that?" It is important for librarians to remain neutral in their suggestions and branch out into other genres. This is the best way to serve our patrons.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful, insightful prompt response. I couldn't agree more! Full points!
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