Genrefying your Library Collection

 Krumme, Kelsey

Source: 

Sultanik, A. G. (2020). Genrefying the children’s fiction collection. School Library Research, 23. http://www.ala.org/aasl/slr/volume23/sultanik

The Study:

The article, "Genrefying the Children’s Fiction Collection" by Alyssa G. Sultanik, details a research study that looks at how organizing a school library's fiction collection by genre impacts student success and self-efficacy. Traditionally, school libraries use a "FIC" label system from the Dewey Decimal system. In this system the books are arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name, which can be difficult to navigate for young children who may know a topic (like dinosaurs) but not specific authors or the number within the Dewey Decimal system. The study observed the activity of students browsing using the original system to get a baseline. They also completed a Likert scale and interview to measure their confidence. The library was then "genrefied" into 11 categories (such as Adventure, Mystery, and Animal Fiction). The books were labeled with colors based on genre and there was signage posted as well. The observations were repeated using the new system.

Findings:

The findings showed that students could locate books significantly faster, with average search times dropping from eight minutes and thirty seconds to five minutes and thirty seconds. Qualitative data from interviews indicated a massive jump in positive sentiment, with 35 positive responses post-intervention compared to only 6 beforehand. Mapping data also revealed that students made fewer random stops and could navigate directly to sections of interest. Sultanik concludes that while genrefication is time-consuming, the benefits of reduced library anxiety and increased student independence outweigh the costs.

Evaluation and Opinion of the Research:

I think it is an important look at some of the possible benefits of genrefying. The study was of a very small sample size of only 5 students. It would be interesting to see the results from a wider pool of students from different areas and backgrounds. The students noted the that the color-coded stickers were a very helpful visual. This research provides a compelling, evidence-based argument for genrefication as a tool to empower young readers. By moving away from technical labels that "alienate patrons," the study demonstrates how school libraries can foster self-directed learning and a love for reading by making the collection more accessible and easy to navigate for children.