Genre Classification
Risen Christ Lutheran School uses the following major genre classifications:
*picture books
*primary fiction
*juvenile fiction
*young adult fiction
*nonfiction
*poetry
*folktales
*biography
*graphic novels
*holiday books
The following describes how the various genres are organized, where they are located in the library, and an example of the call number (usually on the spine or bottom left-hand front cover). AR (accelerated reader) levels are coded along with the call number. If there is no code symbol, the AR level was not included in the AR data base at the time of entry into the Risen Christ library. Recently published books may have AR levels available at a later time.
Major Genre Classifications and Call Numbers
Picture Books
Books are grouped alphabetically by author’s last name. Note that many picture books actually have a high reading level. If the AR level is 3.0 or below, sometimes a paper copy of the book also is found in the Primary Fiction area.
Call Number: First letter of author’s last name with the full last name under the letter.
C
Carle
Location: Shorter bookcase (middle and right-side wall)
Primary Fiction
These books have an AR level up to 3.0 or slightly above. Many of these books are beginning chapter books and easy reader series books. They are arranged alphabetically by author’s last name.
Call Number: PF (primary fiction) label on top and the author’s last name underneath
PF
Rylant, C.
Location: Lower level bookcase to the right when entering library. Yellow containers on the top of the bookcase include smaller size paper back primary fiction.
Juvenile Fiction
These books have AR levels above 3.0 to over 8.0. Some picture books with more mature content are included (example—Pink and Say by Polacco about the Civil War). Fiction books include: realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction. Many books have special labels that identify genres other than realistic fiction. Books are arranged alphabetically by author’s last name.
Call Number: The code JF is on the top with the author’s last name and first initial on the bottom. Occasionally the complete first name is given.
JF
Paulson, G.
Location: Tall bookcases on the left side and two directly in the back.
Young Adult
A few books are labels YAF (Young Adult Fiction). Some nonfiction books are included. These books are separated from the juvenile books due to mature content and language (on occasion). Students need parental permission to check out these books.
Call Number: The code YAF or just YF is on the top with the author’s last name and first initial under.
YAF
Voight. C.
Location: Top of tall bookcases against front wall.
Nonfiction
Nonfiction areas are classified according to the Dewey Decimal System. Note that folklore (398) and poetry (811) are considered nonfiction as folklore is considered culture and poetry is considered literature.
Primary nonfiction is not labeled separately, but many are found within the green and red plastic containers in the nonfiction section as well as paperback books. General subject areas are labeled on the container.
Call Numbers: The code JNF (juvenile nonfiction) is on the top, the Dewey number in the middle, and the first three letters of the author’s last name (or complete last name) on the bottom.
JNF
970
Fre
Poetry: Poetry is considered nonfiction (811) and has its own bookcase. Books are organized by the author’s last name. A symbol is placed on the book spine to indicate that it is a poetry book. Some books contain the word POETRY as part of the call number.
Folktales: Folktales are considered nonfiction as they relate to culture. These books are organized by the story type. For example, all Red Riding Hoods are placed together regardless of the author or illustrator. Books are also organized by countries/locations. The books in this section are retellings, not revisions or adaptation. Anthologies are organized by author/editor. Some books contain the word Biography as part of the call number.
Locations:
Regular nonfiction: Two tall bookcases in the back of the room and third adjacent
Poetry: Tall bookcase closest to computer.
Folklore: Bottom shelf of poetry bookcase.
Biography
Biographies are categorized by the last name of the person, not the author. However, a few books are by author that include multiple biographies.
Call Number: The top code is a capital B (for biography) with the last name of the individual on the bottom. A symbol is placed on the spine.
B
Lincoln, A.
Location: Tall bookcase next to Primary Fiction. Containers include series of biographies as Who was……?
Graphic Novels
Graphic novels can be both fiction and nonfiction. They are labeled with a sticker on the side indicating they are a graphic novel and contain either the JF or JNF categorizing.
Location: Currently all graphic novels are grouped together on the top of the bookcase directly across from the door.
Holiday Books
The shorter bookcase next to the computer includes a variety of holiday books. Most have a label for the specific holiday. These include both fiction and nonfiction books.
A peek into the library