Genrefication in the School Library | HIGHLIGHT

It's also called the bookstore model or subject-based cataloging.

It's genrefication. And it can be a heated topic in school libraries.

Genrefying is a process of classifying mediums (like books) into specific genres or categories. In school libraries, genrefication can be used in addition to or in place of the traditional Dewey Decimal System.

There is no one 'right' way. Each library is unique. At the end of the day, school librarians need to make decisions based on their own school and students needs. What works well in one school, might flounder at another school.

As with any project, there are potential disadvantages:

• some believe it's just another fad
• some believe it doesn't properly prepare students for the future - that they will not be prepared to use public and academic libraries
• it's a BIG undertaking! Think: Assigning genres, labeling, cataloging, signage, physically rearranging, reteaching
• may be difficult to assign a title to a specific genre
• may pigeon-hole readers. Students might not discover books in another genre since they will not be exposed to them when browsing a different genre.
• the library’s physical layout may not be conducive to smaller genre collections
• resistance to change from some library users

And, there are potential advantages as well:

• May be more developmentally appropriate for students in terms of locating books 
• May buy librarians more instructional time because students tend to locate books with greater speed and ease
• May be a more positive and intuitive user experience because books are organized the way people generally look for them - say, like in a book store.
• May increase circulation
• May increase and improve student reading
• May allow for librarians to better identify holes in the collection
• May help to make the dreaded shelving process less time consuming
• May be easier to identifying misplaced books on shelves

I want to use this platform, not to promote or deter from genrefying, but to extend some resources to those who are intrigued or are in the process.

First up, let's put our hands together for one of our very own! South Dakota school librarian Brenda DeHaan is a local expert when it comes to genrefying. DeHaan is responsible for two libraries in two districts and she's spent much of the last year diving into genrefying her new library at Andes Central School. In fact, she's even written a book about the process!

DeHaan’s self-published book is titled Where Are the Spooky Books? How to Genrefy Your Library: Weeding, Moving, and Genrefying. The book is available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback. The paperback is also available at Barnes & Noble. The SD State Library carries a copy of the paperback.

DeHaan

DeHaan has found that Lake Andes students love the genrefication. Books that had been ignored for years are suddenly being checked out since they are no longer isolated. Students have an easier time finding books. She has also seen an increase in circulation. And, a bonus! Shelving is more efficient. 

DeHaan

Here are some other online resources...

• Genrefying Your Collection WITHOUT Changing Call Numbers from The Library Girl blog
• Genre-fication from Mrs. Readerpants blog
• Ditching Dewey from The Mighty Little Librarian blog
• Also, check out her posts on Choosing Genre Categories, Labeling the Books, Making the Move, Catalog Changes and Genre Signage.
• Genrefication from In Defense of Library Genrefication
• Mackin Genre Services
• Follett Genre Services

DeHaan

Disclaimer: The South Dakota State Library does not endorse any service, product, or recommendation listed in this blog.