Special Topics Paper: Arguments for Subgenre Labeling & Genrefication

Signage from a high school library that rearranged their fiction section by genre

Based on my work experience at a public library branch and observing other library systems, I found that not every book has a genre label, and those that do consist of overarching genres such as:

• Inspirational
• Historical 
• Fantasy 
• Action 
• Romance 
• Sci-Fi 
• And “Sports” in juvenile fiction 

From the first week of studying readers’ advisory, we've learned how vital genres and the plethora of subgenres play in finding a patron's next favorite read. Since most patrons read books based on preferred genre, browsing the fiction stacks isn't very user-friendly, and Sannwald (2018) points out in libraries, “Studies have shown that the majority of library patrons locate materials by browsing." This is why I argue it's worthwhile for libraries to consider adding subgenre labeling to fiction items (either as an extra cutter on the spine label or adding a separate label) and possibly sorting fiction collections by genrefication (grouped by genre, then shelved alphabetically by author). 

Fantasy and sci-fi genres could especially benefit from at least subgenre labeling. If a patron wanted a Harry Potter read-alike, looking at the books with "fantasy" on the spine label hardly guarantees that it's a relevant book recommendation. MasterClass (2020) compiled a list of the 18 prominent fantasy subgenres, which includes dystopian, low fantasy, magical realism, superhero fantasy, Arthurian fantasy, and steampunk. As this reflects the current reader landscape, I believe it would be beneficial and useful for libraries to act on this data through extra labeling. During the rise of "new adult" books, Deahl (2012) shared, “While some may roll their eyes at ever-splintering genre tags, the need to use these descriptors is becoming more necessary for editors and agents” (p. 4). Also, adding extra genre and subgenre labeling offers a way to potentially increase engagement and circulation without needing to rearrange shelving.

Kristin school library in New Zealand's fantasy subgenre "dragons" section.

Bookstores offer perfect examples of successful use of generfication, demonstrating sorting by genre helps customers locate types of stories they would enjoy. The above image features the Kristin school library in New Zealand arranging by genrefication after doing subgenre labeling, to make a fun, engaging collection.

Dumas (2005) noted a worthwhile payoff of genrefication in juvenile fiction; circulation increased and “Avid fans of the Goosebumps series have found other titles and series to read in the Horror section…Harry Potter fans have found lots of new fantasy books to read....[and] reluctant readers appear to be more comfortable browsing the smaller genre collections” (p. 21). While Wyatt & Saricks (2019) mention how “Genre is not as stable a classifying system as it once was" (p. xvi), there's still value with keeping up with trends to keep libraries relevant and progressive. Additionally, as other articles have mentioned, adding the extra genre label still makes it easy to revert back to regular Dewey fiction shelving without requiring reprinting/reapplying labels.

Understandably, adding extra labeling and/or genrefication requires time, effort, possible catalog changes, and displayed signage explaining subgenre tags. There are excellent arguments for and against genrefication and adding subgenre labels. However, there's plenty of resources to assist libraries in implementing genrefication and/or genre and subgenre labeling to help a library decide if it's a good fit for them. From my perspective, looking at bookstores and how Dewey nonfiction sections are sorted, genrefication isn't as outlandish as I first thought.

References

Deahl, R., & Rosen, J. (2012). New Adult: Needless Marketing-Speak or Valued Subgenre? Publishers Weekly, 259(51), 4–6. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Dumas, E. P. (2005). Give ’em What They Want! Reorganizing Your Fiction Collection by Genre. Library Media Connection, 24(2), 20–22. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

MasterClass. (2020). A Complete Overview of 18 Fantasy Subgenres. Retrieved from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-complete-overview-of-fantasy-subgenres#18-common-fantasy-subgenres

Sannwald, Susan. (2015). In Defense of Library Genrefication. Website/Blog. Weebly.com. Retrieved from http://genrefication.weebly.com/.

Wyatt, N. & Saricks, J. G. (2019). The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction (3rd edition). ALA Editions, Chicago.