Genres vs. Formats

I am guilty of using names of sub genres and formats as genres in the classroom and as a first-year librarian. I was aware of some of the points in this chapter, so that gave me comfort. Knowing how to catalogue and refer to different books is not only important for the librarian, but also for the patron. I've said it in other blog entries before, and I'll mention it again (because it's true), as librarians and reading ambassadors, customer service is a vital part of what we do - and educating the patron is an extension of that service. Knowing what constitutes genres and sub genres and the formats each may be presented in is an important part of empowering our patrons. The reading advisory process speaks volumes of how knowledgeable the librarian is about the collection.

As society changes and topics morph into different lights with the changing tides, so does the subject matter in literature. In this chapter, there was mention of how to organize the library. Is it best to organize the collection by genre, sub genre, or subject matter? Is it best to keep the approach traditional? I must say that as I read young adult selections, I lean more toward not classifying the library by genre. The library is ever changing, and so are the topics that surround us. Some topics may have been taboo in the past and are now surfacing as trendy topics. Additionally, years from now, the focus may be other subjects that are insignificant today. Change is good, but when the library is already changing to include technology, resources, and other avenues, the library's cataloging system may be just what keeps it grounded. I will say, topics in areas like technology and the applied sciences could use some revamping when it comes to the Dewey Decimal System; however, I feel that the advantages of not using genre to organize a library far outway those in favor of it.