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: