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Dear Dewey,

It’s not me, it’s you

Still on the fence about genrefying fiction or ditching Dewey? Learn why libraries are taking the plunge and how one library has successfully implemented the change.

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This workshop covers why it's time to make the switch, how it can be done, and the outcome for students and circulation.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OUTCOME

120 % INCREASE

146 % INCREASE

Nonfiction Checkouts

Fiction Checkouts

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HIGH SCHOOL OUTCOME

FICTION

GENREFICATION

600% INCREASE

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WHY MAKE THE CHANGE?

1876

MELVILLE DEWEY

https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/suffragists-crashed-centennial-celebration/

thttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13079/melvil-dewey

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Battle of Little Bighorn

Jim Crow Laws

https://www.history.com/a-year-in-history/1876

https://lsintspl3.wgbh.org/en-us/lesson/gpb20-il-civilrights/t

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What’s wrong with Dewey?

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WHAT DO YOUR STUDENTS NEED?

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LIBRARIES ARE FOR STUDENTS!

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Cedar City Public Library

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CONSIDERATIONS

QUESTIONS

    • Should I label the books?
    • How do I change them in the catalog?
    • How do I decide on genres or categories?
    • Where do I put the books?

ADVANTAGES

    • Efficient reader’s advisory
    • Browseability
    • “My teacher told me to get a book about...

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HOW TO DO IT

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Working Spreadsheet

BISAC Headings

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Alphabetized by subject

& final category list

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FICTION GENRES

High School

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USE VOLUNTEERS!

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MAKE SIGNS!

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everyone reads – series

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non-fiction

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fiction

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600%

INCREASE

H.S. OUTCOME

Fiction Genres

ELEM. OUTCOME

Fiction & Nonfiction Genres

OVER 100%

INCREASE

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MELINDA OVERSON

melinda.overson@garfk12.org