In response to declining recreational borrowing and reduced student engagement with the fiction collection, genrefication is being proposed as a strategy to reimagine how students interact with the library. By organising books by genre, rather than alphabetically, the library aims to create a more intuitive, engaging experience that might better capture students’ interest.

Problem-Solving in the Change Process

To successfully implement genrefication, effective problem-solving is crucial. This requires addressing both internal library challenges and external school-wide considerations.

• Internal factors: Within the library, we must assess how best to categorise and shelve books in ways that align with student preferences. This may involve surveying students to determine their favourite genres or running a trial period to gather feedback. Additionally, retraining library staff to navigate the new system and assist students will be essential.
• External factors: From a broader school perspective, promoting the genrefication initiative to both students and teachers will be key. Engaging the school community in the process—perhaps by collaborating with English teachers to tie fiction borrowing to class reading activities—will create greater buy-in. Effective communication about the new system will also be necessary to avoid confusion or resistance.

Leadership Style: Transformational Leadership

To address the problem-solving required in this change process, transformational leadership is an ideal style. This approach focuses on inspiring and motivating staff and students alike, making it a powerful tool for promoting genrefication.

Key attributes of transformational leadership that would facilitate this process include:

1. Visionary thinking: The ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision for how genrefication can reignite students’ passion for reading will motivate staff and students alike.
2. Collaboration: Transformational leaders encourage teamwork and open dialogue, allowing staff to feel involved in the decision-making process. By gathering input from library staff, teachers, and students, the genrefication plan can be shaped to meet the community’s needs.
3. Support and encouragement: A transformational leader will provide support to staff as they navigate the change, offering guidance, professional development, and encouragement.
4. Adaptability: Given that genrefication is a new approach, the ability to be flexible and adapt the system based on feedback will be essential. Transformational leaders are open to re-evaluating decisions and making improvements along the way.

By employing transformational leadership to solve problems collaboratively, the library can facilitate a smooth transition to genrefication, ensuring that both staff and students feel supported and engaged in the process.