Keywords

Boys' Love (BL), Danmei, Fan fiction, Sub-culture, Library classification, Library of Congress Subject Headings

Abstract

This study critically evaluates the effectiveness of the newly established Library of Congress Subject Headings, "Boys' Love (Gay Erotica)" and "Yaoi (Gay Erotica)," in classifying and facilitating the retrieval of information related to these genres. By examining the complex history of these terms within fan communities in Japan, China, and Korea across different historical periods, this research argues that the current LCSH oversimplifies the genre's rich cultural context and ongoing innovation, creating barriers to effective information retrieval and access. Additionally, the use of the term "Gay Erotica" is misaligned with the nuanced nature of BL/Yaoi, further complicating its classification. This study highlights the need for librarians to actively engage with and challenge problematic terminology, ensuring patrons can navigate and access these materials more effectively. Ultimately, the introduction of BL/Yaoi in the LCSH offers a valuable opportunity for librarians to critically assess and reform classification systems to better represent diverse, non-Western, and subcultural materials.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Zhang, Cecilia (2024) "Beyond Boundaries: Evaluating BL/Yaoi Subject Headings in Academic Library Classification," Journal of East Asian Libraries: Vol. 2024: No. 179, Article 2.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jeal/vol2024/iss179/2