Fronting
Fronting (also called edging) is where you pull books close to the edge of the shelf. This ensures a clean, organized look to the shelves and gives the patron an easier view of the spine of the book. When fronting, do not pull books from the very top of the spine – this can damage the spine. Pull each book from its spine or from farther back on the top of the book.
Spacing
Whenever you are shelving, shelf-reading, shifting, or fronting, please pay attention to how many items are on a shelf. Shelves should never be crowded or packed so tight that it’s difficult to pull a book. Every shelf should have about ¼ of the shelf available (roughly 6-8 books could fit, if necessary). If you find a shelf that is overcrowded and need to shift, please see a library assistant for assistance.
Oversized Items
As much as possible, oversized items should be shelved on the lowest shelf. If the item can fit on the shelf on its side, this is acceptable. These items should be shelved on their spine. Shelving these items not on their spine can cause the pages to come loose from the spine.
Damaged Items
All damaged items should be pulled and brought to the technical services shelves for repair.
Inspired by Wilmington University Library
These shelves on the left are too crowded. Those on the right have enough room.
The book on the left is shelved incorrectly. Shelve oversized books spine down.
Oversized books should be placed on the bottom shelf, not in the middle like on the left.
Books that may have been used should be checked in, then shelved.
Books should never be placed on the top shelf. Bring any loose wire bookends to circulation.
