In the spirit of “Beyond the Cape – The Power of School Libraries!”, this session highlights how thoughtful organization can transform the nonfiction section into a dynamic, student-friendly space that empowers independent learning. Organizing nonfiction can often feel overwhelming—for both librarians and readers. Traditional classification systems, while effective for cataloging, don’t always align with how students naturally search for and engage with information.
In this session, Tiffany Matlock shares an innovative, reader-centered zoning system designed to simplify nonfiction organization and enhance accessibility. Developed and refined in Princeton ISD libraries, this approach groups nonfiction titles into intuitive “zones” based on reader interests and real-world topics, making browsing more natural, engaging, and meaningful for students.
True to the conference theme, this system demonstrates the “power” of school libraries to go beyond traditional structures and create spaces where students feel confident exploring, discovering, and learning. The system has also been carefully adapted to align seamlessly with vendor genre settings, ensuring that implementation is both practical and scalable without requiring extensive recataloging.
Attendees will gain insight into the development process, practical strategies for transitioning from traditional shelving, and tips for maintaining consistency across collections. Whether you're looking to increase circulation, foster student independence, or reenergize your nonfiction space, this session will provide actionable tools and inspiration.
