At 11:15 PM 9/28/02, S Brisco wrote:
>I'm writing an article about how libraries are arranged (by Dewey system or
>LC system) and how new trends are forming through the influences of
>bookstores and our patrons. Primarily, as librarians we continue to hear
>those questions such as, "Where are your science fiction novels?" "Where
>are the westerns?" "Where are the fantasy novels?"
>
>My questions to you are: Do you believe that changing school libraries to
>resemble "bookstore" arrangements (by genre--i.e., sports, travel, history,
>romance, self-help, etc.) would be more beneficial for these patrons?
Personally, I don't think it would help, at least as far as non-fiction is
concerned. If a library has an extensive collection of, say, science
fiction, it might help.
>What pitfalls do you see in this arrangement?
We aren't really using the catalog when we do this.
>What opportunities might be
>created by re-arranging the library?
A browser might go from one science fiction author to another if all sf
books were together. On the other hand, someone who is really into a
particular genre probably already knows most of the authors anyway.
>How would your patrons react? How
>would this affect the user when he uses other libraries later, or would it?
I'm guessing that if most libraries started shelving by genre those who
didn't would have students left out. If only a few did it, their students
would be lost when they went elsewhere.
>How would it affect the librarian regarding location of information,
>cataloging, etc.?
Why not just add a subject line for the genre?
>What genres would be used if a bookstore arrangement is
>developed?
This would probably depend on the individual collections. I'm guessing that
Dewey could be used.
>Are there alternatives to this arrangement? Are you doing it
>now? To what level?
I add the genre as a subject, at least on new books. Every year I give the
speech about shelving fiction by author's last name, and every year someone
wants to know where the _____ books are. I just smile and refer them to the
computer, which knows all!
David Lininger, kb0zke
Library Media Specialist
Hickory County R-1 Schools
Urbana, MO 65767
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