NEWS RELEASES > JANUARY 17, 2019
MCHENRY, IL – Follett, a longtime leader in the K-12 library space, has unveiled Follett Genre Solutions to help simplify genrefication for librarians and media specialists seeking to make the transition from the Dewey Decimal System to a more bookstore-like layout based on genres.
“Follett Genre Solutions can help schools create a library space that allows students better access to the books they love and the ability to explore new genres with ease,” said Steve Siegel, Senior Vice President Global Product and International, Follett School Solutions. “Genrefication makes it easy for kids to find books by their favorite genre, which increases reading and student literacy while at the same time freeing librarians to devote more attention to students needing more personalized attention.”
“Plus, those librarians who have genrefied their libraries often tell us how pleased they are at the large jump in circulation of their collection,” Siegel continued.
As genrefication has become more popular over the past few years, especially for the fiction collection, Siegel said schools and districts have looked to Follett to provide support for a wide range of their genre needs. The needs range from best practices assistance for flipping from Dewey, to simplified ordering, and even advice on which genres make most sense for use in the school library.
Eight months ago, Follett formed a Genrefication Advisory Board, composed of 27 experienced librarians and media specialists already using genres in their libraries.
“The Advisory Board, along with our internal team of librarians, evaluated more than a thousand genrefied libraries,” Siegel said. “We then created an efficient way to help streamline the genrefication process for our customers.”
In addition to producing a guide that explains how Follett Genre Solutions help a librarian or media specialist execute a successful genrefication transformation, further support is provided by the company through:
For those who don’t have the time or resources to “flip” their libraries, Follett also offers genre consulting services.
“I would absolutely recommend Follett genrefication services to other schools,” said Cara Fitzgerald, librarian/literacy coach and academic coordinator, Equality Charter School in Bronx, N.Y. “If you have a clear vision of the reading experience you want to offer your students but aren’t entirely sure how to make it a reality, the Follett team will help you navigate the logistics to ensure that your dream comes to fruition.”
For more information about Follett Genre Solutions, visit www.titlewave.com. To view of video of how Follett recently helped a junior high school with the genrefication of its library in Katy, Texas, visit https://bit.ly/2Fk6Dtt.
Follett Content Celebrates Colorado Teacher of the Year Merci Ames with 700-Book Donation
October 1, 2026
Merci Ames, a science teacher and longtime basketball coach at Strasburg High School, has been named the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year. To celebrate her impact, Follett Content donated 700 books to Strasburg High School, helping students build personal...
Read more
September 29, 2026
The public book sale welcomed 1,468 shoppers, who purchased 48,922 books during the one-day event. Combined with the employee presale, more than 50,500 books found new homes while helping support early childhood literacy throughout McHenry County.
Read more
September 14, 2026
One-day sale offers thousands of books at bargain prices while supporting literacy opportunities for local children.
Read more
July 14, 2026
McHenry, Ill. – July 14, 2026 – Follett Content, a leading provider of PreK-12 literacy resources, supported Page Ahead’s 2026 Book Up Summer program, helping distribute 79,959 books to 10,220 students across 50 schools throughout Washington state.Book Up Summer is...
Read more
Follett Content Team Raises Funds for CASA of McHenry County Through Employee Bookstore
June 24, 2026
McHenry, Ill. – June 24, 2026 – Follett Content, a leading provider of PreK-12 literacy resources, announced a $1,013 donation to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of McHenry County, generated through proceeds from employee purchases at Edythe’s Book Nook (EBN), its...
Read more
Follett Content Launches tonies + Book Bundles for Libraries
June 23, 2026
McHenry, Ill., June 23, 2026 – Follett Content, a leading provider of content and services for public and school libraries, today announced the launch of tonies® + Book Bundles, a new offering now available for purchase by libraries.Developed in collaboration...
Read more