Genre Audiences, LCGFT and User Warrant: An Exploratory Study

The Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms (LCGFT) vocabulary is among the most prominent genre vocabularies used in library cataloging. To investigate how the current application of LCGFT affects users’ genre access, we gathered data from library patrons, library staff, and parties involved in genre creation and use. The results demonstrate that patrons actively seek out genre materials in libraries, often via library catalogs, and that LCGFT has room for growth and expansion that might enhance patrons’ search experience.