8 Steps to Creating a New School Library

Creating a new school library from scratch is a monumental task, but with the right vision and approach, it can become a vibrant hub for students and staff! During a Follett Content webinar, librarian Rachel Weatherford shared her journey of opening a new elementary school library in Katy, Texas, and the best practices she followed, focusing on genrefication and other essential steps.

1. Vision and Planning

The first step in creating a new school library is to establish a clear vision. Rachel emphasized the importance of understanding what you want your library to be for your school community. As someone who struggled with reading as a child, she aimed to create a space that fosters a love for reading. This vision guided her decisions on the library's layout, book selection, and programming.

2. Understanding Expectations

Understanding district and campus expectations is crucial. Rachel highlighted the importance of familiarizing oneself with board policies, especially regarding book selection and genres. Collaborating with district library directors and school principals ensures that the library aligns with broader educational goals and policies.

3. Knowing Your Students

Rachel’s school drew students from five different elementary schools, each with unique library experiences and she stressed the importance of understanding the interests and needs of these students. Analyzing circulation statistics and communicating with other librarians helped her curate a collection that resonated with her diverse student body. Ensuring a diverse and inclusive collection, including bilingual books, was also a priority.

4. Choosing the Right Vendor

Selecting a vendor that meets your needs is vital. Rachel worked closely with Follett Content to support her genrefication plans and we provided extensive services, from book delivery to shelving. Building a strong relationship with our staff was essential for smooth communication and problem-solving throughout the process.

5. Curating the Collection

Curating a library collection involves more than just selecting books. Rachel chose to handpick every book for her library, ensuring each one met her standards and aligned with her vision. She also worked with Follett Content to create specific genres for both fiction and nonfiction, making the library more accessible and engaging for students.

6. Genrefication

Genrefication – or organizing books by genre rather than the Dewey Decimal System – was a key part of Rachel’s approach. She found that students often look for books by genre rather than author, making it easier for them to find what they enjoy. This method also encourages exploration within genres, fostering a deeper love for reading.

7. Setting Up the Library

The physical setup of the library is another critical step. Rachel’s library started with empty shelves and boxes of books. She worked with her vendor to ensure books were labeled and shelved correctly. This process involved meticulous planning and coordination, but the result was a well-organized, inviting space.

8. Continuous Support and Adaptation

Even after the library opened, continuous support from Follett Content was crucial. Rachel received help with shelving, replacing damaged books, and updating the collection based on student needs. This ongoing support ensured the library remained a dynamic and responsive space.

Creating a new school library is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By starting with a clear vision, understanding expectations, knowing your students, choosing the right vendor, curating a thoughtful collection, and embracing genrefication, you can create a library that truly serves its school community. Rachel Weatherford’s experience offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone embarking on this journey. Watch the Webinar On-Demand.

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