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Graphic novels and reading lists play an important role in today's libraries. Graphic novels have continued to grow in stature and acceptance across all types of libraries. In 2007, the Young Adult Library Association highlighted their importance with the creation of a new list--Great Graphic Novels for Teens. This list joined the ranks of their other important lists for libraries and readers. Librarians utilize lists as collection development and reader's advisory tools. How are graphic novels being included in two of YALSA's important lists--Best Fiction for Young Adults and Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers? Is that inclusion different post-creation of the Great Graphics Novels for Teens list? This study looked at the inclusion, exclusion, and over-lap of graphic novels on these three lists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study consists of 7 semi-structured interviews with public librarians experiencing recent cases of censorship. The themes were determined based on frequency of appearance in the interviews and were used to identify the impact of and important elements in the censorship cases. The top themes identified were Administration/City Council/Elected Officials, Budget, Community, Individual, LGBTQ+ Books, Personally (to the librarians themselves), Displays of Pride Books, Staff, and Collection Development Policy Elements. The data from these interviews serves to inform research and build literature on censorship, but it also provides a foundation for practitioners facing censorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the results of a study that focused on the perceived preparedness of recent graduates. Fifty-five St. John's University MLS students surveyed 348 practitioners in public libraries (181) and school libraries (167) concerning perceived preparedness of recent MLS graduates for the realities of working in libraries. The overriding research question sought to answer if the students/recent graduates are prepared to meet the expectations of professionals. This research indicates that the perceived gap between LIS education and the realities of the workplace may be larger for some specializations than others. (Contains 8 figures and 3 tables.)

This study examines the top ten soft skills in 30 days of job postings for librarians, curators, archivists, and media collections specialists. It compares these skills in advertisements for Mississippi jobs and compares them to the postings of jobs from other states using data compiled by the JobsEQ software. The software pulls job advertisements from over 30,000 websites. This study then looks at Mississippi's only American Library Association Accredited MLIS program curriculum to see where these soft skills are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians across the country are experiencing unprecedented acts of censorship. This study examines the recommendations from librarians on handling censorship and information that librarians wished was commonplace for public understanding. The study asked the following two questions: What do you wish the public understood about cases of censorship? What recommendations do you have for others who might be facing a case of censorship in the library? The interview results were analyzed and coded. Librarians serve all members of their community. This study will give insight into recommendations for librarians and the profession of Library and Information Science best practice when dealing with censorship attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are libraries purchasing adequate materials for their youth LGBTQ collections? This study compares the ownership of the 2014 Rainbow Book List (RBL) titles to a list created from the top ten titles of Best Fiction for Young Adults (BFYA), the Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (QP), and the Teens' Top Ten (TTT) in the public libraries from the top ten largest cities in the United States. It also reports on the balance of the 2014 RBL list in regards to target audience, diversity in types of fiction, nonfiction, and theme. In general, libraries owned fewer copies of RBL titles than those on the comparison list. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's interests in bondage, discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism (BDSM) behaviors are one of the most poorly understood research topics, even though erotica novels-typically read by women-are increasingly including these activities. The present study explored potential links between women's engagement in BDSM behaviors, consumption of erotica literature, relationship communication and satisfaction, and overall well-being using a multi-study approach. Results from three exploratory studies using multiple methodologies revealed a positive association between erotica, BDSM behaviors, and physical satisfaction, but brought attention to the relatively little information available for women who are interested in practicing alternative sexual behaviors. Practical suggestions for social scientists and mental health professionals are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]