Library Patron Diversity in Realistic Adult Fiction

This study uses a content analysis of adult fiction books from realistic genres set in current times to explore how library patron diversity is portrayed in textual descriptions in order to better understand the messages that patrons from marginalized groups receive from books that feature libraries and library patrons and whether they are finding themselves depicted or excluded. This study analyzes eight books which have been coded for key terms that convey character traits pertaining to diversity, especially visible traits, and analyzed to determine how many books include diverse library patron characters. This study could shed light on what messages libraries, authors, and publishers are unknowingly sending to the patrons about who belongs in the library.