Lust Between the Covers: Encouraging the Joy of Recreational Reading Through the Collection Management of Romantic Fiction in New Zealand Public Libraries

Abstract

This project looks at how two public libraries manage their light romantic formula fiction collections and encourage their users to read for pleasure. A qualitative interpretivist methodology was used. Case studies were performed through observation of the collection and interviews with library staff who were able to provide information on the use of the collection, collection management practices and their personal opinions on the subject of recreational reading and in particular, the romance genre. A study of literature on light fiction's place in public libraries made it clear that the place of light fiction in libraries has been debated for over a hundred years. The literature review demonstrated a lack of recent works on collection management of fiction. The research shows that the libraries studied treat their light romantic formula fiction collections differently to other fiction and that there is less effort exerted in the promotion and management of the collection. Librarians encourage the joy of recreational reading to library users with whom they have built relationships. They view public libraries as having a responsibility to provide fiction for communities.