Genrefication

CSLA Annual Conference 2020 

Workshop 3 

Presented by Heather Gruenthal @hgruenthal mrsgteach@yahoo.com

10:00 Am to 12:00 PM

To Genrefy or Not to Genrefy?

Maybe you think it's just a fad or that student's won't know how to find books in other libraries; or perhaps it's just too big a task to take on.  In this workshop you will learn strategies to test out genrefication and decide if it's for your library.  This workshop features: display ideas, genre lists, genre related lessons, labeling tips and ready to print signage.  Whether or not you are ready to genrefy, these ideas can help you feature a different area of the library each month so there is always something new.  Leave with ideas you can implement when you return to your site!

Poll:

• I'm ready to genrefy

• I'm thinking about genrefication but I need some convincing

• No way, I'm never going to reorganize my whole library

• I'm not interested in genrefication, I just want the display ideas

• My District Policies won't let me 

Questions to ask if you are ready to genrefy from Mrs. ReaderPants:

1. I am able to schedule time in my regular school day to genrefy OR I have helpers who I trust to genrefy while I am teaching.

2. I am not planning to retire or leave my school before my genrefication project is finished.

3. I am positive I will be able to complete this project in a reasonable amount of time.

4. I have financial resources necessary to purchase genrefication materials such as labels, label protectors, and book tape

5. My administration supports my decision to genrefy the library

What to do if you are not ready to Genrefy:

• Purchase genrefication labels, but keep the books in their original location

  • Brodart Classification Labels

  • Demco Classification Labels

  • The Library Store Classification Labels

  • Free Classification Labels from Mrs. ReaderPants on TpT

  • Follett Genre Solutions

• Use Colored label protectors or dots

• Rotate the collection with new Book Displays each month

• Highlight collections with genre Bookmarks

• Fiction/Nonfiction Pairings

• Like Try Why

• Wish Lists

• Weeding

Nonfiction:

Your Nonfiction is already grouped by topic.  Maybe you just need better sineage

• Ditching Dewey from the Mighty Little Librarian

• Use Better Sineage to identify your Nonfiction Topics

• Purchasing sign holders:  Can use certificate frames from the Dollar store and use regular Letter size paper. Acrylic sign holders available at Office Supply stores or library supply catalogs.  

How do I know which Genre?

Follett Genre Solutions can run a report

Use Good Reads

RIYL Book Lists

If you are ready to genrefy, read this:

• Genrefying your collection without changing call numbers from the Adventures of Library Girl

• Library Girl provides this detailed guide (google docs) on How to genrefy, including cataloging tips.

• Mrs ReaderPants Facebook Challenge Group Nov/Dec 2019

• CSLA CON20 Link: from: Engstrom, Shail Genrefying in Action: How You Can Genrefy Any Library 

Get started:

• Decide on your genres

• purchase labels and label protectors

• Make a Key of all your genre stickers

• Add labels to all new books as they get processed

• Add labels as books circulate, so you can easily see the popular genres

When you have your materials:

• clear a display area by weeding or use a cart

• Gather up your most popular genre

• Make a display of that genre 

• Make a genre sign

• Add the genre labels

• add the genre to the catalog record, many use the sub-location section

• See if the display catches the attention of your students

• keep adding books as you find them, and as books check out.

• If the display works well, consider making a permanent home for it.

• repeat for each genre

How much will it cost?

On The Mrs. Reader Pants Blog titled,  "Library Genrefication project," used a color coding system and covered the stickers with book tape.  The cost was under $200.

More Genrefication Resources:

• Do's and Don'ts of Genrefication from Alexandria Library

• Genre Services and support from Follett

• How Genrefication makes libraries more like bookstores

• Ditching Dewey - Mighty Little Librarian

• Why Genrefy from YA Books and More

• use FictionDB.com to help make decisions when the genre isn't obvious. 

• 10 Steps to Genre-fy your library from Don't you Shush Me

• Genrefication:  Removing Barriers to Access from Knowledge Quest

• New Zealand National Library

• Picture Book Categories

• Genrefication Pro Con Site by @suzannesannwald #genrefication