The School Library Monthly Update

Ditching the Dewey Decimal System has been a hot topic in the library world for quite some time, and you probably either love the idea, hate the idea, or just don't have time for it. Regardless of opinion, there have been many libraries - both school and public - that have made the transition to the Genrefication System and have statistics to prove its effectiveness.

I encourage you to both view the webinar and read the genrefication guide below with an open mind and to consider how an updated organizational system in your library may better help your literacy efforts with your students. Because if your goals are to get more books in the hands of your students, to make it easier for your students to find the books they desire reading, and to make the library more user-friendly, then genrefication is one of the best solutions. Keep in mind, as well, that it is very likely that you have already done some level of genrefication in your library (yes, it's true!) and that through the process of genrefication, you also get to weed your collection!

If you still aren't convinced (or you don't have time) to make any major changes to your library, there are other tactics you can employ to make your library more browser-friendly (found at the end of the video and the guide). Ultimately, it is about finding what works for you, your students, and your library.

Join in the SDSL School Library Collect + Connect Meet-up (Wednesday 11/2, 3:30pm MT/4:30pm CT)! These meet-ups will be held monthly via Zoom and are an opportunity for school librarians across the state to gather, discuss, share, and learn. The format for November's session will be an open chat discussion about GENREFICATION AND WEEDING in the library. Pre-register for the meet-up HERE. Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link on the morning of the event.

As we head into the new school year, communication from SDSL School Services will look a little different than it has in the past. The School Library Weekly Update will now be a School Library Monthly Update. The link to this newsletter and any other pertinent weekly school library news will be sent out from Brenda Hemmelman on the school library listserv every Tuesday morning in the SDSL Weekly Update. Please be sure to watch for it!

In addition to SDSL Weekly Update and the School Library Monthly Update, there are a few more places that you may want to bookmark so that you are always in-the-know about important school library services and resources:

• SDSL School Library Services Page on the SDSL Website
• SDSL School Library Resources Libguide
• SDSL School Library Services Digital Binder
• SDSL School Library Services Professional Development Website

The Weekly Update is a correspondence from the South Dakota State Library focusing on current topics in school libraries, best practices, resources, professional development, and more.

Email: scottie.bruch@state.sd.us
Website: library.sd.gov
Location: 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD, USA
Phone: 605-295-3152

SDSL does not endorse any service or product listed or linked to in this newsletter.