Cataloging Questions

Hello,

I recently answered a few questions from a reader and thought they might be helpful to many of you.

One question was regarding the number 920 and Biographies. I can certainly see how this can be confusing. The Dewey number for Biographies is 920, so you could use either one. However, it seems to be easier for children to find biographies by going to the ‘B’ section rather than trying to find the 920 section. Also, if you use ‘B’ for your biographies and you don’t have room in the section for Dewey, they can be shelved separately which also makes them easier to find.

Another question was regarding the 813 or fiction section. I know that in the past the word “Fiction” was almost considered the ‘F’ word in our schools. Many of us used the word ‘Stories’ instead which works nicely. Our teachers in the upper grades use the term ‘Realistic fiction’ which actually accomplishes two things. One, it helps students know what fiction is, and Two, it defines the kind of book they want for a book report. If they said the book report could be fiction, then some of the students might bring fantasy books from home expecting to use them for their report. But if they say ‘Realistic Fiction’, it must be a story that is realistic and could actually happen. You will know what your community is like and which terms work best for you.

I love a new year and the time to make a new start. As a teacher, I always feel that I have at least two ‘new years’ every year – the official one in January and the other one in August when we start a new school year. Mini fresh starts also begin after each quarter which add two more for us.

Best wishes to all of you in this New Year of 2016.

Audrey