UW Researchers Reveal Popularity of Anthologized Authors NOW

UPDATE: New findings from the University of Washington (UW) reveal a surge in popularity for anthologized authors, based on checkout data from the Seattle Public Library (SPL). The research, published on November 21, 2025, highlights how readers are gravitating towards diverse voices, particularly in the realm of science fiction.

For the first time, SPL’s anonymized checkout data—spanning 50 million rows—has been analyzed to track trends among the 93 authors featured in the post-1945 volume of “The Norton Anthology of American Literature.” This anthology is one of the most assigned texts in U.S. English classes, influencing what is deemed culturally important in contemporary literature.

Among the standout authors are Toni Morrison, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Octavia E. Butler. Their works collectively accounted for a staggering 980,620 checkouts since 2005, underscoring a significant shift towards genre and sci-fi literature.

Researchers identified the top authors based on checkout frequency:
1. Ursula K. Le Guin
2. Octavia E. Butler
3. Louise Erdrich
4. N.K. Jemisin
5. Toni Morrison
6. Kurt Vonnegut
7. George Saunders
8. Philip K. Dick
9. Sherman Alexie
10. James Baldwin

Notably, the top books also reveal a trend toward sci-fi and genre narratives, with titles like “Parable of the Sower” by Butler and “The Fifth Season” by Jemisin leading the charge. The findings indicate that these authors, who were previously marginalized in literary discussions, are now central to readers’ engagement.

“It’s fascinating to see who we’re actually reading and when,” said senior author Melanie Walsh, a UW assistant professor in the Information School. “The works that people are turning to the most are by women and Black and Native writers, who previously were not even included in these anthologies.”

The study also highlights how external events influence readership spikes. For instance, film adaptations and notable deaths of authors have driven increased interest in their works. The dramatic rise in checkouts for “Parable of the Sower” in 2024—the year it is set—illustrates how timely relevance enhances literary engagement.

Lead author Neel Gupta noted, “Sci-fi and genre fiction haven’t always been seen as important literature… it’s striking to see that despite comprising a small portion of the anthology, these are the authors people are actually reading the most.”

Through this comprehensive data analysis, the research team sought to overcome the challenges of accessing book sales data, which is notoriously difficult to obtain. By employing advanced computational methods, they standardized the checkouts and made the findings accessible through an interactive website.

This groundbreaking research is a significant step in understanding reading habits and the evolving literary landscape in the U.S. As more data becomes available, it could reshape how educational institutions approach literature, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives.

For those interested in exploring the data further, visit the project’s interactive website for a deep dive into the checkout trends.

Readers are encouraged to share these compelling findings, as they highlight a transformative moment in literature and education. The shift towards recognizing diverse authors not only enriches the literary canon but also reflects the changing demographics and values of modern readers.

For further information, contact Melanie Walsh at [email protected] or Neel Gupta at [email protected].