When looking for novels at the Clearview Library at Windsor, you may have wondered about the books that have a “Christian Fiction” label on the spine. “What actually designates these books as Christian Fiction?” “Why are these books mixed in with other fiction?” and “Why are they at the public library?” are all questions that may come to mind.
According to guidelines provided to libraries by the American Library Association, “Christian fiction is a designation for works of imaginative fiction that promote Christian teachings or exemplify a Christian way of life.” Christian Fiction is a recognized genre that has become extremely popular in the last twenty years. The American Christian Fiction Writers is an organization of over 2,000 members worldwide, consisting of authors, editors, agents, publicists and aspiring writers and was first organized in 2000 under the name American Christian Romance Writers.
A recent survey, conducted of libraries in Larimer and Weld Counties, as well as the Denver Public and Douglas County library systems, verified that each of these libraries include the Christian Fiction subject heading in their catalog to assist the growing readership in finding these materials.
Some of the small and medium-sized libraries create separate sections for Christian Fiction, while the largest libraries simply add the subject heading for Christian Fiction in the catalog. The Clearview Library District integrates Christian Fiction titles with the general fiction collection and identifies the genre on the spine label. Labeling helps the reader easily locate these titles and conversely, helps those who do not wish to read this genre avoid these titles.
Clearview Library District actively purchases Christian Fiction titles based on patron requests and usage, as is the case with other genre collections. Selection and purchasing is guided by the District’s “Collection Development Policy.” The Library provides, as one of its core services, many and varied types of materials.
Reprinted with permission, Windsor Beacon.
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