[CASL-L] Genrefying Collection??

[STEPHANIE PATTERSON]

Most of our titles are from JLG or student requests. I have several moving bookcases that we typically set for Civil Rights, Graphics, Picture Books, Memoirs, Multi-copies and class sets.

We link the databases to the Destiny Home page and link the catalog and databases to the library web page.

My PT clerks, ( I have 2 that job share so that 6/8 periods per day have at least 1 other adult present) have gone thru most everything and made copy categories that are searchable in Destiny.

I think it's important for students to become accustomed to learning about tools in different platforms for information- whatever that information may be. They are certainly adept at using tools on social media locations and play things on phones. I think I'm a bit of a worrier and I want them to be more curious and willing to put their toes in the water while they're on my watch. That's why I never used a symbaloo on the library web-page.

It's a connundrum!

Stephanie Patterson
Southington High School Library
"Building character with critical thinking, creativity,
 collaboration and communication."

tel: 860.628.3229 x 11335
________________________________
From: CASL-L <casl-l-bounces at mylist.net> on behalf of Gail Nelson <gwnelson100 at gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2019 4:48 PM
To: Hilary Gindi <hilaryj at gmail.com>; casl-l at mylist.net <casl-l at mylist.net>
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] Genrefying Collection??

Wow!  When I first checked my email after a long, busy day, I saw only the last few replies to the question I posted this morning.  I am truly indebted to all of you who responded so thoughtfully to a question I have pondering for a long while.  Your responses help me to think through the pros and cons and consider how to proceed if I choose to go ahead.
Thank you all so much!
Gail Nelson
School Librarian
Harwinton Consolidated School (PreK-4)

On Wed, Dec 18, 2019 at 10:02 AM Hilary Gindi <hilaryj at gmail.com<mailto:hilaryj at gmail.com>> wrote:
I began the process last year. I labeled all of the books by genre, and then at the end of the year had a 4th grade class help me sort them out.
This year, the whole fiction section is completely genrefied and I do notice an uptick in circulation.
Everything is still cataloged the same way, except now the catalog entry adds a sublocation so that students know in which genre section to look. Students who would have used the catalog before to find a book will still do that. Students who wouldn't have used the catalog, and who were stuck going back to series they already knew, now see many more books that fit their interests. For example, where I used to have only a couple of Diary of a Wimpy Kid books on the shelf (as most were in circulation), now I have almost all of them on the shelf because their dedicated fans have branched out and are trying new things.

Hilary Gindi
Library Media Specialist
Spencer Elementary School

On Wed, Dec 18, 2019 at 9:32 AM Gail Nelson <gwnelson100 at gmail.com<mailto:gwnelson100 at gmail.com>> wrote:
Good morning!

I saw the recent discussion about genrefying fiction. After spending years dug in defending alphabetical author (and fighting the knot in my stomach when I think about making decisions about which categories books belong in) I am considering dipping my toe in the genrefying waters. I already do alternatives to make the books easier to find: displays, genre labels on the spine, etc.

I am still resistant because in my experience I can go into most public libraries and independently find the book I am looking for.  In Barnes and Noble I often have to ask for help to find a book.

Does anyone have a great experience they would like to share after genrefying? Persuasive reasoning why this is a good idea?  Contrary thoughts are also welcome! I know this is a tall order, but I would appreciate any input you are willing to share at a very busy time.

Thanks so much!

Gail Nelson
School Librarian
Harwinton Consolidated School


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