Why I am not genrefying my library

 

When organizing my school library, student accessibility is always my top priority. I aim to make it easy for students to find books they’ll love while teaching them valuable research and navigation skills.

The trend of genrefying school libraries has grown rapidly in recent years, and I can see why. Grouping books by genre—like fantasy, realistic fiction, or mystery—can make browsing intuitive, especially for younger readers. It mirrors the layout of bookstores and can transform the browsing experience, particularly when paired with creative shelving strategies like face-out displays or bins that allow students to flip through books, much like flipping through records at an old music store.

I’ve seen this approach work well at all levels of education, and I have no philosophical objection to genrefication. However, it can be especially effective in younger grades, encouraging early readers to explore their interests and discover new favorites.

However, I’ve chosen not to adopt this trend in my library—and not because I’m resistant to change. My reasons are deeply rooted in the unique constraints of my space and my belief in equipping students with modern, flexible tools for navigating their reading journey.

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Space Constraints: A Practical Limitation

My library is small, with limited shelf space that’s immovable mainly and bolted to the walls. Much of the shelving is too high for my fifth and sixth graders to access comfortably, limiting browsing options. Reorganizing by genre in this physical space would create more frustration than accessibility, forcing books into spaces that aren’t practical for students to explore.

While genrefication might thrive in larger, more adaptable libraries, it simply doesn’t fit my library’s physical realities.

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A Digital Alternative: Destiny Discover and AI Recommendations

Instead of genrefying the physical space, I’ve embraced a digital solution through Follett Destiny Discover. This tool includes features like:

• Collections: Virtual genre-based groupings allow students to explore themed categories such as “murder mystery” or “sports fiction” from any device.

• AI-Generated Suggestions: Personalized recommendations based on students’ reading history and interests.

• Similar Reads: Suggestions for books identical to titles students already enjoy.

• Favorites Lists: A space where students can build and save a list of books they’d like to read in the future.

By teaching students to use these tools, I’m helping them find books they love and fostering critical skills in research, self-direction, and digital literacy.

For example, suppose a student is looking for a mystery novel. In that case, they can browse the Mystery Collection on Destiny Discover, see what’s available, and place a hold on a title—all without leaving their classroom. My team and I help them locate their book quickly and efficiently when they visit the library.

While this system doesn’t replicate the serendipity of wandering shelves, it empowers students to take ownership of their reading journey. It equips them with skills they’ll use far beyond the library.

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A Love for the Traditional Library System

I’ll admit, my decision is also influenced by my personal experiences with genrefication in public libraries. My local library recently transitioned to a genrefied fiction section, and I find it frustrating and confusing. Searching for a fiction title now feels like a scavenger hunt, and the new organization doesn’t feel intuitive.

One of the things I’ve always loved about the traditional Dewey Decimal System is its universality. No matter where I’ve traveled—whether to Iceland, the United Arab Emirates, or different parts of the United States—the system is consistent. I can walk into any library, look up books in the 811s for poetry, and find exactly what I want. That consistency and predictability are comforting and powerful.

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The results Speak for Themselves

Ultimately, my choice not to genrefy comes down to what works for my students and my space. There’s been no pushback from administration, parents, or colleagues—in fact, I think they understand the space constraints and appreciate the intentionality of our approach.

The proof is in the pudding: my students actively use the library, engage with books, and build meaningful reading habits. By balancing traditional organization with modern tools like Destiny Discover, I’ve created a system that fosters exploration, independence, and a lifelong love of reading—without needing a full genrefication overhaul.

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In Closing: Trends Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

Genrefication is a thoughtful and innovative trend, and I admire librarians who’ve embraced it to serve their communities better. Every library is unique, with its challenges and opportunities, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Combining traditional shelving and modern digital tools strikes the right balance for my library. It respects the limitations of my space, empowers my students, and aligns with my core philosophy of accessibility and lifelong learning. And for now, that’s enough.