Stories They Borrow, Stories They Love: Reading Preferences and Circulation Patters as Foundations for Enhancing Fiction Services

Abstract: Understanding the reading preferences of academic library users is essential for enhancing fiction services and encouraging greater leisure reading engagement. This study analyzes fiction circulation data over a span of seven academic years, drawing from the prior research conducted by Berenio and Calilung on the utilization of fiction books. Through a genre-based examination of borrowing trends, the study identifies high-demand categories such as romance, fantasy, and young adult fiction. These insights inform the development of a data-driven strategy for enriching the library’s fiction collection and readers’ advisory services. Findings demonstrate that aligning collection development with actual user behavior supports a more user-centered library experience, fosters student engagement, and reinforces the academic library’s role in holistic student development. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for collection management and service improvement based on empirical borrowing patterns.

fiction circulation, reading preferences, academic library, collection development, readers’ advisory

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