TY - JOUR AB - Purpose The purpose of this paper is to build on limited understandings of how readers engage with non-fiction. Drawing from prior research and three recent case studies involving non-fiction reading, this paper considers heterogeneity in modes of reading and the central role of libraries in fostering non-fiction reading cultures.Design/methodology/approach Findings from three recent case studies of non-fiction reading about relationship advice; developmental disorders; and financial planning, based on qualitative interviews, participant observation and survey data, are used to assess and expand understandings of non-fiction reading and collections.Findings There is considerable heterogeneity in modes of non-fiction reading, and readers often appropriate non-fiction texts for purposes unintended by the authors. Both physical and online libraries function as sites where non-fiction reading can be used by a broad range of demographic groups to participate in individual or group-based resistance to structural and cultural sources of power and inequality.Practical implications This paper provides insight into the role and value of non-fiction collections.Social implications Findings speak to the value of robust funding for print and online non-fiction collections in communities and schools.Originality/value This paper offers new empirical and theoretical insight into how non-fiction collections are used by a range of demographic groups in community and school contexts. Sociological theories are introduced to highlight the role of non-fiction collections in facilitating social change at individual and group levels. VL - 37 IS - 2 SN - 2514-9326 DO - 10.1108/CC-08-2017-0034 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/CC-08-2017-0034 AU - Knudson Sarah PY - 2018 Y1 - 2018/01/01 TI - Exploring engagement with non-fiction collections: sociological perspectives T2 - Collection and Curation PB - Emerald Publishing Limited SP - 43 EP - 49 Y2 - 2024/03/29 ER -