Celebrity book clubs and public libraries: opportunity and threat?

McMenemy, D. (2007) Celebrity book clubs and public libraries: opportunity and threat? Library Review, 56(5), pp. 353-357. (doi: 10.1108/00242530710750545)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this Editorial is to discuss the nature of television‐based celebrity book clubs and the pressures on public librarians to provide reading material for users who wish to take part in them. Design/methodology/approach: The article provides a reflective viewpoint. Findings: While initiatives that promote reading should be welcomed, equally librarians may have to concern themselves with the ethics of stock selection in promoting such clubs. While this does not mean taking part is a mistake, stock selection based on anything other than community need is potentially problematic. Practical implications: Of practical use to practitioners who may be considering the issue of promoting books made popular via television endorsement. Originality/value: The paper questions whether something that is taken for granted, i.e. promotion of reading through such clubs, is actually always a good thing for libraries and readers.

• Item Type: Articles (Editorial)
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McMenemy, Dr David
• Authors: McMenemy, D.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Information Studies
• Journal Name: Library Review
• Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• ISSN: 0024-2535