Purpose
Using the public library context, presents research identifying perceived characteristics of
fiction readers and their associated genres, with a particular emphasis on the reader of Black
British and Asian fiction in the English language.
Design/methodology/approach
Applies personal construct theory and the associated repertory grid to a mixed method study
involving fifteen repertory grid interviews, conducted with Librarianship Masters students at a
UK university.
Findings
Findings regarding the perceived profile of the reader were similar to those reported in
previous sociological research, but new constructs emerged regarding certain perceived
characteristics of both readers and genres.
Research limitations/implications
Method and findings provide a starting point for future research in materials portraying, and
originating from, minority ethnic communities. With more repeated constructs and a larger
sample size, future research could statistically investigate the significance of potential trends
and apparent relationships between data.
Practical implications
Provides new data regarding the nature and readership of minority ethnic fiction, informing
the improvement of its provision and promotion by public libraries.
Social implications
It is hoped that longer-term effects will be to increase both public and professional
understanding of fiction written by members of minority ethnic communities, and of its
potential contribution to the wider body of literature in the English language.
Originality/value
Applies personal construct theory and the associated repertory grid technique to a new area of
research and practice, with new data having been generated concerning the perceived
characteristics of fiction genres, and of their readers.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)