Books, loosely sorted by technique (applique, scrappy, etc.), softcover (leaflet type) in a stack, series ("great american quilts")in their own place, printouts (generally from manufacturers free designs), and magazines in holders (pick up from thrift stores )by publication. Regular or book-size softcovers go upright with the hardbacks and the "thin" softcovers go on the stack. I found when I organized all the softcovers (skinny) upright, they would disappear. The magazine holders are sorted by publication but I don't bother to put in chronological order. It boils down to a system that works for you because if you spend all your time searching when do you get to quilt?