Keeping information literacy instruction relevant and engaging is an ongoing issue in academic librarianship. Johnson, Weeks, and Putnam-Davis have put together a wonderful collection of research and case studies on using pop culture in an academic setting. Discussing topics from the history of pop culture to the ways it can challenge the norms of modern-day scholarship, to what being an academic library means, the essays provide compelling evidence for the presence of pop culture in academia. Since social media, television, movies, and theater are constantly evolving and changing, case studies offer a template for instruction that can be considered and applied to other pop culture concepts. Beyond the classroom, this book makes a case for pop culture as part of collections that libraries offer access to and in the programming libraries offer. Recognizing the changing world, this book offers guidance on maintaining the academic library's relevance not only to the college as an entity, but also to the life experience of the students who attend. Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and professionals.

Choice Reviews

Editors Johnson, Thomas C. Weeks, and Jennifer Putnam Davis offer ideas and bibliographies to help academic librarians bring pop culture into the library. Featuring essays written by academic librarians at community colleges, comprehensive universities, research universities, and law schools, the book is divided into four sections: foundations, collections, instruction, and programming. The authors provide practical advice and suggestions for hands-on activities that allow students to creatively engage in library spaces: using makerspaces to create zines and books; using streaming media; games, for example, “Blacks and Whites: The Role, Identity, and Neighborhood Action Game”; and even paranormal walking tours. With a wealth of available pop culture materials, deciding which direction and materials to pursue can sometimes be challenging. Still, the authors emphasize the importance of connecting information literacy to real life and taking advantage of opportunities to explore feminism, critical race theory, history, and intersectionality in the process. As they note, “Teaching librarians know that information literacy skills are not solely applicable to library resources: these skills should be applied to every aspect of our daily lives.” A comprehensive book, providing information on the rationale for connecting pop culture to library services and offering a range of projects to get students into the library. This thought-provoking and engaging book would enhance any academic library’s professional collection.

Library Journal

While pop culture hasn’t always been kind to the image of librarians, Integrating Pop Culture into the Academic Library shows that academic libraries are places that pop culture can, and should, thrive. The editors and contributors do an excellent job showing that zines, Harry Potter, Barbie dolls, reality television, and paranormal ghost tours all have a place in our academic world. All fun and future-thinking academic librarians should read this book. Even those who already work in libraries may view libraries differently afterwards.

April Sheppard, Assistant Library Director, Arkansas State University

The early essays in this book give a solid history and rationale for including popular culture materials in the academic library. The other essays bring together thought-provoking examples of using current popular culture in academic library instruction and programming to engage today's college students. This book is a great resource for librarians and others who wish to critically engage students from all disciplines by using materials that they are familiar with in their everyday lives.

Nancy Down, Ph.D., Head of Browne Popular Culture Library, Bowling Green State University

This book has incredible breadth and depth on the topic of popular culture collections and services in academic libraries, making it not only useful for people who are new to the field, but also an engaging read sure to generate ideas even for the most seasoned professionals.

Mara L. Thacker, South Asian Studies & Global Popular Culture Librarian, Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign