You may be interested to know that CBC has agreed on standard fiction
genres and standard labels, which the library suppliers provide and affix
in exactly the same way as they would a non fiction spine label. This means
that the label is part of standard core servicing. CBC is the largest
library purchasing consortium in the country and currently has 38
participating authorities. If others could agree to use the genres that CBC
is using we would be well on the way to making this the national standard.
My own personal view is that users do like stock to be presented to them in
genres, and provided that the labelling can be achieved in the way CBC
authorities are doing it, this is the most cost effective way of getting
the books back onto the shelves in the right place. All other alternatives
take much more staff time and are not as cost effective when this is taken
into account.
Sue Valentine
Head of Stock, Reader Development and Customer Services
Hertfordshire Libraries
01707 281593
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