Separate but Equal?

At my local Chicago Public Library branch, the librarian recently moved all of the graphic novels into a single shelving area by themselves. I was delighted--the graphic novel book club often meets at a table by the new section, so it's easy to browse while we wait for everyone to arrive. The shelves are a little shorter than most, so there is room for displaying graphic novels of all shapes and sizes on top. This change was motivated by growing interest in the format and the club. I felt the change improved findability, encouraged browsing within the niche format, and increased visibility via display space.

Although it seems similar on the surface, this situation is different than the case of the northwest Iowa library whose patrons requested books with LGBTQ themes be labeled and separated from the rest of the collection. These patrons asked for a change because they object to the content. They're also taking steps to ensure that the library won't be able to add any more books from this genre without public input. It's unconstitutional for any single group to decide what gets to be in the library's collection and what doesn't. Especially considering that the targeted theme represents a minority that already faces discrimination.

I present these two situations side-by-side because I think that there are pros and cons to shelving books by genre, but my feelings were different because of the intent. The Des Moines Register article says, "The library's board president, Jared Weber, said the changes may start with a trial run on a few subjects over the summer and expand to the rest of the library if patrons like the new system." I hope that all patrons are able to feel heard, but my worry is that those who speak out against the change will be shamed by their community. However, it's encouraging that the library will be doing this with multiple subjects and potentially the entire collection, which would reduce stigma.

Genre separation is an ongoing conversation in public libraries. I found this great article that argues both sides, with the Pro stance taken by none other than Vicki Novak, who we read on the subject of nonfiction RA. She sees genre separation as an RA tool, because it makes browsing a small section of a large collection easier, constructs entry points into the collection, prioritizes the patron's experience over shelving efficiency, improves a patron's ability to browse independently, and infuses the library with the "bookstore" experience.

Ultimately, I hope the Iowa library can make positive improvements to the way its collection is organized, even though this particular change was spurred by negativity. At the very least, it is another chance to engage patrons and solicit feedback.