Cataloging the Whedonverse: Potential Roles for Librarians in Online Fan Fiction

by Kem, Jessica F.

This study describes an online survey of fan fiction writers in the Whedonverse, the fandom surrounding Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel: the Series. The aim of the study was to determine emerging issues and practices related to online fan fiction’s accessibility, searchability, and preservation, and to explore potential roles for librarians in shaping these bibliographic issues and practices.

This exploratory research found that the fan fiction community is conflicted between a need for better accessibility and a need for community sovereignty. Issues such as the growing popularity of fan fiction online, the archival practices of the community, the urge to keep fan fiction “underground” in light of potential copyright battles are explored.