How to Label Library Books: A Complete Guide for Australian Schools

Planning to organise your library but feeling overwhelmed about how to label library books? Well, it’s not just about putting books in the right place but also about making it easy for readers to navigate without the need for staff. That’s why having the right labelling and shelving system is important. 

Genre labels are definitely one of the most practical ways of creating an organised library system. But one of the most important parts of the process is to choose the right labels as per your collection. Wondering which one is right for your library? 

Well, here is a guide to help you understand how you can label your library books with ease: 

Why Invest in Genre Labels? 

Genre labels are small labels that are useful for identifying the section or collection a book belongs to, and these are usually placed on a book spine. With the help of these, readers can easily recognise books before looking at the call number.

Library book labelling makes it easier for readers to identify the right section they are looking for instead of searching for the right book from several shelves. 

For example, if a library has a fiction section, then with a fiction label it can become easier for the users to spot the type of genre they are interested in without the need to scan every call number across the shelves.

Moreover, it becomes easier for library staff to maintain shelving and the collection without any issues, as it reduces mis-shelving, keeps books organised, and makes stocking easier.

How to Label Library Books the Right Way:

Check Your Collection:

Before selecting genre  labels, make sure to check your collection. There are different types of books and collections available in a library, from biographies and graphic novels to special interest collections and more. 

Not every shelf requires a label. By knowing about the sections, you’ll be able to get to identify which sections require clearer organisation. 

Select the Right Labels:

There are several types of labels available in the industry, but selecting the one that is ideal for your library is quite crucial. Some of the most common labels include biography labels, graphic novel labels, reference labels, language labels, genre and subject labels, and more. 

Now select labels after taking into consideration who uses the library collection. For children’s libraries, make sure to use labels with clear and familiar words so that they don’t get confused while searching for a book. 

For academic libraries, it is ideal to use subject- or collection-based labels, making it easier for users to find the collection they are looking for.

A Systematic Labelling Approach:

One of the most important parts of library genre labels is to make sure that you have a consistent and structured labelling system. Make sure to review the existing shelving system in your library. Ask important questions, such as:

• What are the sections readers most struggle with?
• Which collections are growing the fastest?
• What are the major shortcomings of the library shelving system?
• Do labels match the way the library is organised?

By knowing this, you’ll be able to select a consistent placement style and format throughout your collection, making it easier for everyone to understand and follow the process. 

If you are still confused about how to create a systematic labelling approach, then here are a few steps that you can consider:

• Make sure to check all the books that are need to be labelled.
• Decide what information you want to include on each label.
• Consider some information such as author, title, classification, number, section of the book, and categories the book belongs to.
• Select the right label as per book size, spine space, and the information required.
• Place labels consistently on every book. Keep the formatting consistent throughout.

A Final Check:

Now that you have finished placing  library genre labels, it is time for you to check the books. Check the call number, label, text, and barcode before placing the books on the shelf.

Apart from that, also make sure that the books are added as per the library catalogue and placed in the right section. This can help in reduce problems in the library.

Premium Quality Library & Office Supplies by VIPA:

Maintaining a well-organised library needs high-quality and durable products. VIPA Library & Office Supplies is here with a wide range of genre label collections that are not only durable but also designed to withstand everyday handling.

Our library genre labels are available in different styles making it easier for you to organise your library in the most efficient manner. Whether you’re looking to replace old labels or want to expand your existing collection, we have the right variety of options that are ideal for your library. 

So, browse through our collection now and order labels that are designed to provide you with an efficient and long-lasting organisation.