Can Children of Different Races "See" Themselves in Audiobooks? A Comparison of U.S. Library Systems' Offerings. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kuehl, Rachelle
• Is Part Of: Collection management. Volume 46:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: audiobooks -- multicultural children's literature -- critical race theory -- equity -- public library systems; Collection management (Libraries) -- Periodicals; 025.205
• DOI: 10.1080/01462679.2020.1732252
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-2679

Abstract

Abstract: Culturally responsive librarians must provide high-quality children's literature featuring characters of color via multiple formats, including audiobooks. This study examined the accessibility of audio versions of award-winning children's novels in U.S. public libraries. Chi-Square analyses were used to determine whether offerings in six locales were distributed proportionally using a significance level of p < .05. Findings revealed an availability deficit in audio versions of novels primarily featuring characters of color. Therefore, book publishers and librarians must strengthen efforts to provide audio versions of high-quality novels written for youth audiences. Particularly needed are books reflecting Latino/a, Asian/Pacific, and American Indian populations.