Opening a new school is a monumental task, and setting up a new library is no different. For Comal Independent School District (ISD) in New Braunfels, Texas, the challenge was met with enthusiasm and innovation. With the opening of Bulverde Middle School in August 2024, the district embraced genrefication from the outset, transforming the library into a vibrant, student-friendly space. This article explores the journey of setting up the new library and how  Follett Content and Follett Titlewave_^®  played a crucial role in this process.

District Overview

Comal ISD, located nearly halfway between Austin and San Antonio, is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas, adding about 1,000 new students each year. The district comprises 35 campuses, including the newly established Bulverde Middle School. The district’s commitment to fostering a love of reading among students is evident in its innovative approach to library organization.

Embracing Genrefication

Jillian Pratt, the district’s Director of Digital Learning and Library Services, spearheaded the initiative to genrefy the new library at Bulverde Middle School. Having directly experienced the benefits of genrefication during her tenure as an elementary school librarian, Pratt was determined to replicate this success.

“Genrefication is important to me as a director because I know the value of it firsthand,” Pratt explained. “During the pandemic in 2020, I spent my time genrefying the fiction in our library. When students finally returned to campus, there was a newfound love of reading.”

By organizing the library’s collection by subject, category, or genre rather than by title or author, Pratt made it significantly easier for students to find books that matched their interests. This approach eliminated the common refrain of “I don’t know what I want to read” among students.

Collaborating with Follett Content

To build the Bulverde Middle School collection, Pratt collaborated with the Follett Content team and other middle school librarians in the district. This collaboration ensured that the new library would be well-equipped to meet the diverse interests of its students. Park “Blake” Pearson, the first-ever librarian at Bulverde Middle School, expressed his gratitude for the support he received.

“This is my first experience with a library organized by genre and, now that I’ve seen how fantastic it is, I’d never go back to another system,” Pearson said. “With Follett Content’s help, genrefication has made the library more accessible and enjoyable for our students.”

Students were immediately drawn to the sections that fit their interests, from mystery to fantasy or sports fiction, without needing to search by title or author. Pearson observed that students confidently browsed through genres they loved, finding books that intrigued them and making connections with stories they were excited about.

Using Follett Titlewave^®

To create well-rounded collections for Bulverde, the middle school librarians used Titlewave^®, a tool provided by Follett Content. This tool was instrumental in selecting genres that were common in middle school libraries. The books were then delivered, processed, and sorted by genre, simplifying the setup process.

Streamlining the Setup Process

Tagging and shelving books by genre can be an enormous undertaking, requiring more time and staff than most libraries possess. Follett Content’s services helped new libraries get up and running quickly and accurately. Pearson witnessed the efficiency of this process firsthand.

“Shelving the books was an incredibly smooth process because each box was numbered, making it easy to track which books went where,” Pearson emphasized. “It was unbelievable how precise the shelf markers were, clearly identifying how many inches the books would take up on each shelf. This level of organization saved so much time and effort.”

Having each box labeled by genre made it even easier to install the books in the right sections. Everything came together seamlessly, thanks to the meticulous planning and support from Follett Content.

An Involved Partner in Education

David Sanders, the Follett Content representative, played a pivotal role in the project. Pearson praised Sanders for his responsiveness and support.

“David has been responsive, knowledgeable, and always willing to help with any questions or issues that arise. Whenever I've needed support, he’s been quick to respond,” Pearson said.

Follett Content proved to be more than just a vendor; they were a partner in shaping the library into an inviting, user-friendly space that catered to students’ interests and needs. Their comprehensive selection of books and resources aligned perfectly with the district’s genrefication goals.

Conclusion

Today, the library at Bulverde Middle School is a bustling hub of activity, with students eagerly exploring different genres and discovering new books. On a recent visit, Pratt observed students participating in a “genre book tasting,” sampling books from various genres before heading to the shelves to check out their selections.

“Genrefication improves reading scores and circulation and fosters a love of reading. I highly encourage genrefication in school libraries,” Pratt concluded.

The successful setup of the new library at Bulverde Middle School is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact of innovative library practices. With the support of Follett Content and Titlewave^®, Comal ISD has created a library that not only meets the needs of its students but also inspires a lifelong love of reading.

Looking to open a new school library or refresh your current one? Follett Content is here to help! Learn more about our library services.

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