Ageing stereotypes and their impact on the selection of New Zealand children's fiction in public libraries

Abstract

This research explores the presence of ageist images in 50 New Zealand authored, children's picture books. Utilising the method of content analysis and employing an analysis instrument, scores show that while there are some negative examples they are in the minority and so are not causes alarm. In tandem with the content analysis, interviews were held with selectors of children's fiction in 6 public libraries. These interviews sought to ascertain the impact of ageing images on book selection, the methods used for book selection and the selectors' opinion of policies in place to assist book selection . On the whole selectors were pleased with the freedom allowed to them by their policies. They showed a reasonable awareness of what constitutes an ageist image but this was not consciously considered when selecting books. In conclusion while there is room for improvement in the representation of the ageing in New Zealand picture books and in the overall awareness of ageist attitudes in the general population, selectors are successfully choosing positive images of the ageing by consistently choosing quality books.