Articles

Arant, Wendi and Hal Hall. (2002). Science Fiction and Fantasy: A Guide to Resources on the Web. College and Research Libraries 63(9): 652-5.

Published in College and Research Libraries journal, by the American Library Association, this is an annotated guide to websites providing information on the science fiction and fantasy genres. The authors claim they sites they have chosen are “arguably the most comprehensive and most authoritative available on the web.” With 24 websites in all, this article is a definitive guide to fantasy fiction sources on the web. The list of sites is broken up into categories: “getting started,” with comprehensive genre websites; “reference sources,” such as research databases; “professional associations” such as the Heinlein Society; “genre listings,” with bibliographies; electronic journals; and miscellaneous sites.

Decker, Charlotte. (2002). Science Fiction and Fantasy Roundup. Book Report 20(5): 21-4.

Charlotte Decker, a librarian, wrote this article in response to the recent surge in popularity of fantasy and science fiction novels, which she believes is due to the popularity of Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket, and other new fantasy series. Decker breaks up her recommendations into the subgenres traditional fantasy, magical fantasy, and mythical fantasy. Within these sections, she defines the subgenre before recommending books, with a brief plot summary and explanation of appeal factors. Decker also notes with each title, the age-appropriateness; and includes a section on fantasy series for older readers. Besides being a good source in general for fantasy fiction readers, this article can be read to get title recommendations based on age.

Evans, Charlotte. (2001). Memories of Good Reads: Librarians’ SF and Fantasy Picks. Arkansas Libraries 58(5): 4-8.

Evans has spoken to librarians across Arkansas and compiled a list of best fantasy and science fiction novels based on the librarians’ memories of favorites. This is a unique source because not only does it recommend titles, but the libraries tell their own stories about why they recommended each title, some of them sentimental. This element in itself makes the title described more appealing. For example, one librarian mentions that characters from fantasy fiction were strong role models, giving her courage as a teenager. For anyone who is unsure whether he or she would enjoy the fantasy genre, this article best explains the general appeal of the genre. And for those who are already fantasy fiction fans, it is enjoyable to learn about the experiences of other readers.

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