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After many of our members voiced concerns about tbe validity of a process to rearrange a school library and the steps involved at the various school levels, the Kansas Association of School Librarians (KASL) asked AASL, via an Affiliate Assembly Statement of Concern, for direction on genre shelving. Our desire was to start a conversation in an effort to give credence to concerns of KASL members-and school librarians in other states. We also hoped to get answers to the multitude of questions we were fielding. Some Kansas school librarians had tried various methods of genre arrangement; some found that it worked, and others found that it did not. Questions were raised about how to determine what direction to go, what to consider when deciding whether to rearrange a school Hbrary, and what possible pitfalls might be encountered. With more questions than answers, we turned to AASL.
The concern stated: "Many school librarians are questioning the method of arranging their library collections. The move away from Dewey classification to genres has resulted in confusion, unanswered questions, and a variety of attempts. We are seeking guidance from AASL to provide answers and guidance in this popular trend. Is it a viable way of arranging library materials; and if so, please help in setting standards and appropriate genres for different age levels." The concern was put forth because KASL members hoped to get this guidance and dispel the confusion arising from the many attempts of Kansas school librarians. We believed Kansas school librarians weren't alone, and that belief was affirmed when the Affiliate Assembly voted to send the concern forward.
Susan Ballard, AASL president at the time, organized a panel to discuss the issue at ALA Midwinter in Seattle. I was...