If you’ve spent any time in librarian circles lately, you’ve probably heard the term “genrefying the library.” For some librarians, it’s been a game-changer. For others, it feels like a huge project with questionable payoff.
So what exactly does genrefying mean—and is it worth it?
Let’s break it down in a realistic, laidback way.
What Does “Genrefying” a Library Mean?
Traditionally, fiction books in libraries are organized alphabetically by the author’s last name. Genrefying changes that. Instead of just alphabetical order, books are grouped into genres such as:
- Mystery
- Fantasy
- Historical Fiction
- Realistic Fiction
- Graphic Novels
- Adventure
- Humor
Think of it more like a bookstore layout—where readers browse by the type of story they enjoy.
Why Librarians Are Considering It
One of the biggest reasons librarians choose to genrefy is simple: It helps students find books faster. I was a huge advocate for keeping the Dewey system while I was an Elementary Librarian. I wanted to make sure the students knew how to find a book on their own. Fast forward to Middle School-I have seen the light! Circulation drops significantly in Middle School, and creating an atmosphere that mimics a bookstore can help boost circulation.
Many students don’t come in looking for a specific author. They’re looking for a type of story.
You’ve probably heard questions like:
- “Where are the scary books?”
- “Do you have funny books?”
- “I want a mystery.”
When books are grouped by genre, those questions become easier to answer—and students can browse more independently.
It Can Boost Book Discovery
Genrefying can make browsing feel less overwhelming. Instead of scanning hundreds of shelves alphabetically, students can go straight to the section that interests them.
This can be especially helpful for:
- reluctant readers
- students who struggle to choose books
- students who prefer familiar story types
Sometimes the right genre section can turn a “just looking” moment into a book checkout.
But Let’s Be Honest… It’s a Big Job
Before you start printing labels and moving shelves around, it’s important to acknowledge something:
Genrefying takes time.
You’ll need to:
- decide on genre categories
- review and re-label books
- update your catalog system
- move and reorganize shelves
- create new signage
For some libraries, this can take weeks or even months to complete. So it’s worth asking yourself: Do I have the time and support to do this well?
There’s No One “Right” Way
Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: Genrefying is not required to have a successful library. Many libraries work beautifully using traditional organization.
What matters most is that students can:
- find books easily
- explore new titles
- and feel comfortable browsing your space.
A Laidback Approach to Genrefying
If you’re curious but not ready for a full overhaul, try starting small.
You might begin with:
- creating genre displays
- adding simple genre labels to shelves
- grouping popular categories like graphic novels or mysteries
Sometimes a few strategic changes can provide many of the same benefits without completely reorganizing your library.
The Real Goal
Whether your library is genrefied or traditionally organized, the goal is always the same:
Help students discover books they love.
If your system supports that, you’re doing it right.
Because at the end of the day, the best library organization system is the one that helps students connect with stories.
And that’s what we’re all here for.
The Laidback Librarian 
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