Bookstore Style Categories

In 2008, the library implemented bookstore style categories in its adult nonfiction section. Former Director, Susan Reckhow devised a hybrid system which continues to employ Dewey call numbers within subject categories. Some examples of categories include: Health and Exercise, Careers and Employment, Math and Science, and True Crime.

Over the years, it was determined that many of our patrons were browsers and that they would benefit by having like books in the same area. For instance, in the Dewey Decimal Classification system, books dealing with careers might have the call number 331.7 and books on résumés or cover letters might have the call number 650.14. In that system, similar books would be on completely different shelves and in other parts of the library. In our new bookstore style system, they are now together.

Currently, a patron using the electronic catalog will need to write down or remember the Dewey call number and the category shelf location to retrieve a book. Categories are listed on the ends of each book stack in the adult nonfiction section.

For more information on our bookstore style categories, please check out our new YouTube video:

Library Thing

Library Thing has been around for a while, but is still a great website. Once you create an account, you can keep track of books that you read, add tags and then share your collection with others that may have similar interests.

Library Thing allows users to search for books on Amazon.com or the Library of Congress (they include a radio button, but you cannot select both :-)) After finding your book, you can add it to a list complete with cover art and a general description (which you can edit!). In addition, you can supply your own review and rating for each book. If you are looking for a good book to read, just search by tag and you can find books that others have read that are similar to your own tastes.