The Importance Of Library Circles

Library organization is a hot topic is library circles. To gentrify or not to gentrify …that is the question. I was quite surprised by the passion this topic ignites on library blogs and discussion boards. Some librarians are down right angry at the idea of “dissing” Dewey, while others embrace the change. After much consideration, if ever given the opportunity to organize a library, it would most definitely be in the genrefication or bookstore model, alphabetically for the fiction selections, while the non-fiction would be shelved according to Dewey. First, arranging fiction books by genre will help students, especially younger students, find what they want to read for pleasure more easily than shelving them by author’s last name. Students need to experience success, not frustration when browsing. This crucial first step to finding a “just right book” is aided by the bookstore model library organization. This method also gives users easy access to other books or “read-alikes” they may be interested in reading. It would also be a benefit to the less confident reader to be able to pick books from a smaller, tailored sub collection instead of a large intimidating collection. Ranganathan rules state that the library should be designed to, …show more content…
This organization method has a large impact on shelving. In some bookstore models the books are arranged with the covers showing, not spines. This requires different shelving and space for the librarian to consider. Another consideration is that not all books fit neatly into a specific genre. This is especially true for the younger readers. One example is the Arthur series by Marc Brown, where Animals are personified. This could fall into a Fantasy category, yet, it is also humorous and there is no other included element of Fantasy, other than the personified animal characters. Genre need to be selected carefully using the library catalog and other web based