Ordering and Processing

The goal of collection management is to determine the needs of the community and provide them with those resources. Development includes identifying the needs, researching and selecting the items, evaluating the library’s resources with possibility of weeding, and acquisition. The developer has to take in account the library budget, the diversity of the community, while adhering to the library’s policy and mission.

I have selected class assignments that display my understanding of some of the concerns that collection developers must take into consideration.

LIBR 101

Flowchart for the Lake County Public Library

Library Department Responsibilites SCREE

LIBR 104

Collection Development

Review Answers

The purpose of a library collection is to fulfill educational, informational, aesthetic appreciation, recreational, and research goals. While the purpose of collection development, is to meet the needs of its service community, to provide information, education, and recreational materials.

Selection policies are put in place to minimize problems when making selection decisions. In most libraries, the selection process required several employees. So, policies are needed to help coordinate the procedures. Decisions on what to add to the collection is done by the collection development/selection staff, then the request is sent to acquisitions. Policies normally include, who has the authority to select the materials; who is responsible for selecting; the library’s goals and objectives for the collection; criteria for selection; review sources used; procedures for handling problems; and guidelines for allocating funds.

The way material selections are handled in public and educational libraries differ based on the specific service objectives. Public libraries must know the community and its informational needs. In educational institutions, faculty departments may also have some responsibility for selecting materials.

Because there are so many individuals involved in the selection process, procedures must be coordinated or integrated in the libraries. Managing the program requires assessment, prediction, control, choice, validation, and quantification. The requests for acquisitions are sent to the acquisition staff from the collection development or selection staff.

The types of materials libraries acquire includes print materials, non-book materials, and electronic resources.

Print Materials

Books
Out-of-print materials
Periodicals and serial titles
Government documents
Scholarly publications
Dissertations
Theses
Atlases
Sheet maps
Printed music
Pamphlets

Non-book Materials

Audiotapes
Music CDs
DVDs
Microfilm and microfiche

Electronic Resources

CDs
Tape loads
Web resources
Variation of print based material (Encyclopedias, books, etc.)
Multimedia

Three categories of acquisition work are, organizing incoming requests, verifying the existence of an item, and ordering.

Requests come in many forms, from a variety of departments and non-staff. By organizing the requests by a set format, employees are able to work efficiently.

Verification is important in order to determine if the material exists (variations and spelling of the author’s name), and whether the item is needed for the collection.

Orders can be computer generated or on paper. Vendors need to know the author, title, publisher, date of publication, price, edition, number of copies, order number, and method of payment.

Perform pre-order bibliographic searching to avoid duplication. Then gather enough information to provide to vendor so order can be placed, and to establish the main entry that will be used when the material is catalogued.

ISN, ISBN, and SAN are special numbers associated with the book trade that saves time in acquisitions.

Vendor report the status of orders placed. The status of titles not yet delivered. Recommended vendor status reports:

Not yet received from publisher
Out-of-stock, ordering
Claiming
Canceled
Not yet publised
Out-of-stock, publisher
Out-of-print
Publication canceled
Out-of-stock indefinitely
Not our publication (NOP)
Wrong title supplied

Vendors need to give meaningful reports, because funds unused but committed corrode the libraries buying power.

Staff must make three important decisions when placing an order, the need to determine which acquisition method to use, what vendor to use, and what funding source will be used.

Acquisition Methods

Firm order – For titles the library knows it wants. It is best for current items and first volume series. The disadvantage, is the time it takes to prepare individual orders

Standing order – Best for serials, and if the library knows it wants all of the publications. The drawbacks to standing orders are not all publisher series are quality titles. The second is the unpredictability of the number, frequency, and cost (especially in irregular series). In academic libraries, faculty may request a standing order, since orders are self-renewing, if standing orders are not periodically reviewed, the library may find the faculty member may no longer be on staff, or the item is no longer needed.

Approval plans – Items that cover a large number of subject areas are automatically sent to the library with invoicing, but the library can return titles they do not want. Drawbacks are they can be quite expensive if they are not monitored. It could also add a large number of very low or no-use items to the library’s collection.

Blanket orders – A library develops a profile, and makes a commitment to purchase all of the output from a publisher, items in a limited subject area, or items from a particular country. This save the time of the staff, and insures that the library acquires copies of limited run items. The disadvantage, it is hard for the library to predict how much money it would need to reserve because of multiple variables.

Subscriptions - A library enters a subscription for a set period for journals, newspapers, and other serials. Subscriptions are self-renewing. Saves staff time and paperwork. This is only good for long-term interest, and the library would need to periodically monitor the subscriptions usefulness.

Leases – Sometimes suppliers grant leases to libraries for handling electronic resources. The drawback is at the end of the lease the library normally loses all the access to material it was paying for.

Gifts – items given to the library can replace worn or missing items, sometimes provide out-of –print and unavailable items, and creates good will with the community. Unused books can be sold, or given away. It also has its disadvantages, as coming with mold or insects, the processing require a lot of time and costs, they take up space, unused books cause disposal problems, and older books are less sought after by patrons.

Exchange – The exchange method is a process of exchanging duplicate, unwanted gifted items, and new materials between libraries. This allows libraries a way to acquire organization’s publications; items from other countries; and help countries acquire materials when there are commercial trade restrictions. The disadvantage that this process is time consuming, it can be costly, and sometimes the institution is still left with unwanted materials.

Gifts can create expensive legal issues. The Internal Revenue Service, in an attempt to prevent libraries from placing a high value on the gift for the donors tax deductions, the IRS now requires donations appraised over $5,000 to be appraised by a third party. If the items are worth less than $4,999 then a letter with the library’s name, date of contribution, location of the gift, and a description of the type and number of items received. If the gift is worth less than $250, then no letter is required.

Receiving Orders – Items are first carefully unpackaged. Orders must be kept separated, because there is only one packing slip regardless of how many boxes are received. For the second step, it is a good idea to have a copy of the order, and the packaging slip together. Items on the packaging slip, order form, and items received should match. Until items are completely processed and property marked, they can be prone to theft.

A control record need to be made for each file. It should include all information for a given title. OPAC, to be useful, the data must be carefully entered into the software.

Ordering Materials

P&B Constraints contains embedded spreadsheet.

The object of this project was to gain experience in ordering materials for a library based on the library's needs and budget restrictions.

Processing

The physical processing procedures for CDs and DVDs

Technical Services

In acquisitions, a single barcode is placed on the discs housing. If it contains multiple discs or is improperly housed then a temporary barcode called piggyback, is attached to a BSP goldenrod flag and place inside the item. The item is then sent to Preservation Review. Conservation Services is in charge of replicating and attaching the required barcodes.

Placement – only one barcode per item and barcode should not be larger than 2 ½ “x ¾ “. When placing, be sure the spine of the case is facing to the left. Barcode is placed on the outside of the case in the upper left corner, not more than ½” from the edge.

In cataloging a note stating “Please check for (#of) disc(s) and (#of) accompanying literature” is added to the ALEPH record.

HD items have a required HD sticker on the outside cover centered below the barcode. If the housing is damaged and requires rehousing, piggyback barcode on BSP goldenrod flag inserted into the item. It is sent to Preservation Review, and Conservation Services will replicate and affix the required barcodes and HD stickers.

Placement – HD stickers have an ALEPH sub-library code to show ownership.

Conservation Services

Binding & Shelf Preparation (BSP):

Double-sided discs cannot be security stripped or possibly receive a hub sticker.

On the disc-hub sticker, the nine-digit barcode should be written with a media-safe pen.

Open Stack items do not have security strips attached to the booklet or packaging. Security strips are attached to all discs except for double-sided discs.

Closed Stacks do not have security stripping on the discs, booklets, or packaging.

Stacks items have a single call tag on the outside cover, on the housing, and centered under the barcode.

Placement – Call tags are created using Times New Roman 11 or 12 bold font on thermal transfer pressure-sensitive printing tape and custom cut to fit the width of the item’s spine. If there is more than one disc or the case is not up to the library’s standard, item(s) is sent to Preservation Review Librarian.

Books and Pamphlets

Technical Services

Acquisitions – A single barcode is placed on each item. Exception, if the placement will cover critical information the cataloger needs then a piggyback barcode is attached to a BSP goldenrod flag and inserted in the item to alert cataloging.

Placement -- only one barcode per item and barcode should not be larger than 2 ½ “x ¾ “. The barcode should be place while the items spine is facing left. Attach the barcode to the outside cover, on the upper left hand side.

Cataloging – For piggybacked barcodes, the barcode should be place on the item after the ALEPH item has been recorded. HD items have a single sticker place directly under the barcode. HD stickers have an ALEPH sub-library code to show ownership.

Conservation Services

Binding and Shelf Preparation – For defaced or lost barcodes, identify the item and recreate the barcode. Application should follow the rules set in acquisitions.

Placement of edge stamp should be placed in the center of the fore edge of the book, with the exceptions:

If the fore edge is rough and the head of the text block is smooth – stamp the head of the text block.
If the book has irregularly trimmed pages, gold leaf, fore edge treatment, or dark colored edges – stamp the bottom of the verso of the title page.
Text block narrower than stamp – stamp the bottom of the verso of the title page.
Marked the property of another library – leave previous markings and do not re-stamp. Routing is to be based on the item record and other HCL ownership markings.

There should be consistency in size and font of edge stamps.

Security Strip (tattle-tap) placement – Only single-sided tape is to be used, and to be applied in full-length strips.

Stack items placement – Single call tag on the lower edge of the books spine. Exceptions to this rule is if the spine is too narrow for the tag, then the tag is to be placed on the outside cover and centered below the barcode. The call tag are to be printed using Times New Roman 11 or 12 bold font on thermal transfer pressure-sensitive printing tape and custom cut to fit the width of the item’s spine.

HD items are to have a single HD sticker placed directly under the barcode on the front cover.

The procedures for Books and Pamphlets and CDs and DVDs are quite similar. Placement of the barcodes are both placed on the top left-hand side with the HD sticker centered directly below the barcode. When a barcode cannot be place on the item, they both place a temporary tag on a goldenrod flag. The only difference there is, the books and pamphlets are directed to Cataloging, and CDs and DVDs are directed to Preservation Review. Another difference is Books and Pamphlets have an edge stamp and CDs and DVDs use hub stickers with a 9 digit barcode written on it.

LIBR 201

Interview with the Technical Services and ILS Manager at Lake County Public Library.

LIBR 201: Cataloging and Classification

Midterm Narrative Project

Spring Term 2018

The main branch of the Lake County Public Library is located in Merrillville, Indiana. I scheduled an interview with Andrew Teeple, who is the Technical Services and ILS Manager, so I could learn more about the responsibilities, and requirements of working as a cataloger in a public library.

The Merrillville branch of the Lake County Public Library is a large modern building that houses a collection of over one million items. Patrons are greeted with a view of the “The Reader,” a seven-foot sculpture of a woman reclining with a book, she overlooks the parking lot from her glass enclosure on the second floor.

Upon entering the building I notified staff at the circulation desk that I had an interview with Mr. Andrew Teeple. As I waited, I was able to ask the staff member at the information desk about the size of the collection and the service population. I was told the library services a population of 242,837 according to the library’s published long-range plan.

Mr. Teeple came to the main lobby, introduced himself, and led me to a winding staircase I had never seen before. He guided me down and through a maze of offices in the basement of the building. At the end of the zig-zag hallway, was the Technical Services Department. Mr. Teeple’s office overlooks the whole department.

There are four full-time staff members that are responsible for the cataloging duties. The Department Head is in charge of graphic novels because most are part of a series, and their records are bit more complex, and he simultaneously works on developing and filling gaps in the collection. He also assists in all other departments as needed. He has a master’s degree with a focus on cataloging.

The senior employee, who also holds a master’s degree, catalogues adult fiction and non-fiction, paperbacks, and large-print.

Both full-time assistants have bachelor degrees and are taking classes toward their master’s degree. One assistant is in charge of the children’s books, music, and audio books. The second assistant works on DVD’s exclusively because of the large size of the collection.

Most cataloging is copy cataloging. The library uses OCLC as the source for copy cataloging. Original cataloging is only done as needed, which only amounts to 3-5% of the work they do. Original cataloging is done for local materials such as local authors, who donate their materials to the library. Original cataloging is done by the manager or senior employee only. Mr. Teeple showed me a cart of items by local authors and several VHS archival videos that were found during a recent remodel that are waiting to be cataloged.

I asked Mr. Teeple if there were any specific rules about adding subject headings in copy and/or original cataloging. He replied that there was “nothing locally.” They have a rule to never just add one or two subject headings. In 2006 or 2007 the library started to add subject headings to fiction. Their only guideline is to add as many access points as possible. Even before RDA they were adding more than one author. Most bibliographic records are purchased along with the materials for DVD’s and eBooks. Information is added as needed to DVD’s and eBooks. The free records that come with some of the eBooks are of such “bad quality” that the records require a lot of attention. Mr. Teeple stated, that “Very little of the cataloging process is outsourced” to vendors.

Mr. Teeple offered to give me some background on his department. He stated that the Lake County Public Library system uses the Dewey Decimal Classification organization tool, the Library of Congress subject heading for cataloging, with the exception of genre related fiction. Mr. Teeple showed me a copy of Guidelines on Subject Access to Individual Works of Fiction, Drama, Etc., which he uses when cataloging genre related fiction. Updates from the Library of Congress is an ongoing process for authority records. The library uses over 300 collection codes, such as GN for Graphic Novels, JGN for Juvenile Graphic Novels, GEN for Genealogy, and IND for materials in the Indiana Room; but not all codes are displayed. The integrated library system Polaris, is for the organization of the collection. I asked Mr. Teeple if the library still had a card catalog or shelf-list catalog. He stated that they had a shelf list catalog, but it has not been used or updated in the last twenty-five to thirty years.

Mr. Teeple proceeded to walk me through the cataloging routine as materials are received. Books are brought to a sorting area where the material will be viewed to determine if the item needs to be sent to a cataloger or to be processed for shelving. New materials go to a cataloger. Material that are replacements or are duplicates of a popular item being added to the collection are sent to be processed with barcodes and security tags. Items to be cataloged are sent to Mr. Teeple to be sorted to the proper cataloger.

In Mr. Teeple’s office I noticed a large cart completely filled on both sides with multiple copies of Disney movies. I asked him if they were replacements, because children have a tendency to destroy DVDs? He replied that was the main reason. The other reason why they purchase so many is because Disney only releases so many copies before they are put into the vault. Several years ago, the library had underestimated the number of copies for the DVD The Incredibles, before it was put into the vault. At one point there was only two copies of the movie for the entire Lake County area.

I asked Mr. Teeple if he subscribed to any listservs. He said, most of the staff subscribes to the listservs. Some of the listservs that he subscribes to are Autocat, RDA, Innovation for ILS, and All Indiana Library Professionals. When asked if the library encourages continuing education, he stated that employees are strongly encouraged to attend professional development by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars. Mr. Teeple regularly attends the Innovation User Group Conference for Polaris, the Indiana Library Federation Conference, and the American Library Association Conference.

Before I concluded my interview, I asked Andrew Teeple what was the biggest cataloging challenged faced in his library and what is the best thing about being a cataloger?

Teeple stated that there are two challenges they are facing at the moment. The first and, “the biggest challenge is between RDA and AARC2 and balancing both worlds.” They are still making a decision on whether to convert to RDA. They are currently training for RDA through webinars. The second challenge, is the way multi‐volume monographs are cataloged. Patrons find it difficult to find the volumes they want. They are discussing how to catalog these items so patrons can find the desired volume.

The best thing about being a cataloger according to Teeple is classification. Before going to college for his library degree, he was a customs officer and his favorite thing was separating the item to be taxed into categories. Details were important. There was a different tax for a t-shirt made of 100% cotton and one that was 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend. When he decided to pursue his degree in library science, he entered the university with the goal of becoming a cataloger.

My interview concluded with Andrew Teeple escorting me back through the maze and up to the main lobby. The entire interview was pleasant and informative. He was patient with my questions, and eager to show me his department. I am grateful he was willing to take time out of his day to help me get a better understanding of the position, their responsibilities, the challenges they face, and the educational requirements of becoming a cataloger in the library. I have always desired to work with rare books and manuscripts, but I can also see myself working as a cataloger one day.

LIBR 201: WorldCat Refection Paper

WorldCat is operated by the Online Computer Library Center, better known as OCLC. WorldCat boasts on the website that they are the “world’s largest network of library content and service.” Through my exploration of their site, I can believe their claim. WorldCat lets visitors search their site for materials in libraries in their community or search library collections around the world. In some cases patrons of the site may be able to reserve items they are interested in and have it shipped. Through WorldCat visitors can find books, articles, music, videos, audiobooks, and special databases that are available to members only. If assistance is needed, WorldCat has an “Ask a Librarian” feature where members can ask a question. Ratings can be left for items under the “Reviews” tab.

The global mission of OCLC is to make information accessible to people around the world. The site’s Global & Regional Councils link directs visitors to the benefits of membership. Libraries and communities are given a voice through elected representatives. These representatives give the OCLC connections in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, and the Americas to provide worldwide viewpoints that reflect the needs and issues that affect diverse communities. This cooperation is important to help communities grow and to help libraries build their collections by reaching out of their comfort zones and being exposed to different ideas and viewpoints, and to learn about materials they would not have been exposed to otherwise.

In OCLC Support & Training, 5 Quality Assurance, it states that the system includes “MARC record validation rules to ensure input of standard MARC tagging and codes.” They also rely on member libraries to follow the recognized cataloging standards. It seems only Full-Level authorized users are able to make drastic changes to a record. Non-participates can request changes.

Membership gives access to information created by members. It reduces costs associated with accessing information from other libraries. Members have the opportunity to elect the delegates that represent their regional area. In member stories, Saint Aselm College used WorldCat to identify rare items, and how Medicine Hat College Library currently uses it to make their databases easier to locate. Another plus to WorldCat, is that publishers and material vendors partner with OCLC, enabling libraries to obtain bibliographic records.

A possible negative factor to OCLC may be the price. It is difficult to find the pricing since the subscription fee is based on the size of the library’s population. According to OCLC’s Support & Training’s Frequently Asked Questions, there is also a one-time implementation fee. Subscribers are paying for the Web-based service.

I found WorldCat an extremely useful site allowing visitors to search collections from all over the world, ask for help through their “Ask a Librarian,” rate materials they have used, and to search through a wealth of useful tips. For libraries, WorldCat is a go-to source for bibliographic data, and connecting to professionals globally. OCLC is living up to their mission to share knowledge.

Community Analysis

Joplin Community Analysis

Using the data provided by the 2014 Joplin Public Library Community Analysis from the University of Missouri, the information can be used in the creation of the library’s collection development.The purpose of the report is to determine the needs of the city and its residents.

Community Characteristics, Economic, Educational, and Diversity

Joplin’s community statistics show the two biggest types of households in Joplin are married and people living alone.The households in Joplin, Missouri are largely low-income.The median household income is $36,000, with 18% of the 12,000 households in Joplin earning less than $15,000 a year.Married family homes with children have a median household income of $41,126.

According to the data included in the report, the 2012 American Community Survey by American Fact Finder, shows there were 10,655 children under 18 in the community, with 7,962 enrolled in school.The number of children and teens in Joplin are divided into three categories: 0-6 years old (39.9%), 6-11 years old (33.9%), and 12-17 years old (26.2%).An important statistic to consider, in the population of children and teens 18 years and younger, “38.9% are living in households with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), cash public assistance income, or Food Stamps/SNAP benefits,” with nearly 30% living below the poverty level.Of the students who attend East Middle School, 70% of the students receive free or reduced lunch, and most do not have a reliable access to the Internet.Many of these students return to an empty home after school.

According to 2012 diversity data from diversitydatakids.org, 78% of children and teens from Joplin are white, followed by 10.8% Hispanic, 4.8% two or more races, 2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 1.8% American Indian/Alaska Native, 1.8% Black.

In 2012, seniors 65 years and older, made up 14.4% of the Joplin population.Community diversity for this age group consists of 95% of the population being white.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, cited in the survey, the high percentage in the marital status survey for seniors are 53% are married with 30% widowed.The group showed an increased demand for “food assistance, affordable housing and transportation.”Although 85.9% of this group are no longer in the work force, only 12.4% fell below the poverty line, with 7.8% receiving food stamps/SNAP benefits.The percentage of the senior population considered disabled is 37.3%.Many of the disabled are homebound. The community’s Meals on Wheels program serves approximately 600 people.Technology access is also limited for this age bracket. According to an AAA statistic, only 12% of seniors have Internet at home.

Informational Needs and Community Requirements

Most surveyed for had a common request for computer and Internet/Wi-Fi access, tutoring and homework help, college and career information.

Children of all backgrounds were surveyed in Joplin. Respondents stated that they needed help with homework, and school readiness. They wanted non-fiction resources and STEM programming.

Teens respondents responded with internet access; homework, GED, college, and career help; and more teen materials.Both children and teens stated they wanted assistance with transportation, socialization (programs and events), and students who live just outside the district asked for access to library cards.

Students and teachers surveyed requested quiet study rooms equipped with white boards, electric outlets, and Wi-Fi.Outreach programs to the schools.Test preparation for high school equivalency exams.

Parents wanted resources to ‘supplement their children’s education,’ and to cover topics ‘such as gun safety and sexual education.’Parents and caregivers expressed a desire to learn how they could help their children access the library’s resources.The survey showed the need for more parenting resources, activity stations for interacting with children, and family story time.

In a survey of senior citizens, 65 years and older, the age group requested computer classes. The Joplin Senior Center had to discontinue computer classes due to budget cuts.Many of the seniors have an increased number of age related disabilities such as vision, hearing and mobility problems.Seniors require large print and audio books, low vision readers, and handicap accessible computer desks and restrooms. Homebound patrons need home delivery.Seniors located out of the district asked for access to library cards where the cost is lowered or subsidized through another agency.Informational needs include healthcare information, newspapers, and magazines. Since majority of this group do not have Internet at home, seniors need access to the Internet at their local library. Seniors requested programs that allow them to see movies and play games with peers, and health screening workshops.

Community Recommendations

Throughout the analysis of the Joplin Public Library Community Analysis, there are common requirements many of the diverse groups listed for their public library. The most requested informational needs:

Handicap accessibility
Assistive devices
Delivery System
Library Instruction
Access to tutoring, GED, and career training
College and career help
Resume and interviewing workshops
Computer and Internet/Wi-Fi
Computer classes
Healthcare and lifestyle workshops
Family programming
Access to new nonfiction print materials
Tutoring and homework help
Classes that emphasize literacy and STEM
Out of district users want access to library cards

To encourage literacy, the Joplin Public Library participates in Reading Matters by Bright Futures. The initiative inspires parents to read to their children, aged from birth to five years old. To encourage adult literacy, the library should collaborate with other community organizations such as Neighborhood Adult Literacy Action (NALA) and Missouri Adult Education and Literacy.

Data analysis shows that a large percentage of children in Joplin, are latch-key children, with unreliable Internet access. The district has implemented a “21st Century Learning Center” initiative, where electronic resources are strongly encouraged and non-fiction collections are being replaced with electronic versions. Under this initiative, high school students are being given laptops and sixth through eighth grade students are being given iPads. Due to the electronic and Internet dependent curriculum, the library will continue to see an increase in demand for Internet and Wi-Fi. After school tutoring and recreational activities where children can with their parents’ consent, choose to be taken to the library after school. The library can provide programs that correlate with the Joplin Public Schools college, career, and technology focused curriculum.

The research shows there are a number of working poor in the community, where teens are encouraged to bring home a paycheck, rather than concentrate on their education. These nontraditional students need tutoring, and help with taking the equivalency exam for high school. These teens also require assistance reentering school or finding technical training.

Job seekers in the community, according to the Joplin Prosperity Initiative show that majority of the job seekers lack soft skills, life skills, and basic academic skills that employers are looking acquire in their employees.

A large portion of senior citizens has age related disabilities that require the library to provide assistive devices, with areas and services that are wheelchair accessible. Seniors, who are homebound without access to transportation, would benefit from book delivery. A service could be implemented through a volunteer service.

The library can collaborate and become a point of contact for both non-profit and for profit organizations that provide free education and assistance in healthcare, arts, education, literacy, and business. Many have programs tailored to children and senior citizens.

The analysis provides statistical data that is important to the development of the library’s collection development. The school system in Joplin has become technology dependent, but research shows that the community has a large percentage of children in school that have no reliable Internet. The library needs to be a place for students to both have access to reliable Internet, but also have the print resource that students can use at home. The collection develop topics should include, healthcare and lifestyle, resume and interview building skills, test preparation materials, and new fiction material for all ages to encourage literacy skills.

Reference

V., D., S., B., M., T., . . . D. (2014, January). Joplin Public Library Community Analysis. Retrieved September, 2018.

LIBR 208

Collection Evaluation Plans

Kansas City Public Library

14 West 10th Street

Kansas City, MO 64105

https://www.kclibrary.org/collection-plan

The librarian is responsible for the evaluation of the collection at their individual branch, but the final authority for selection resides with the Executive Director. The collection is reviewed for gaps in subject areas and replacement of titles based on a set criterion, according to the 2009 Kansas City Public Library Collection Development and Management Plan. On page 22, the plan briefly states its maintenance and evaluation plan. The evaluation of the collection is based on the knowledge and experience of the staff in accordance to the needs of the community and the “content of the collection.” Materials are withdrawn if the subject matter is now considered obsolete, the item is damaged, the library has limited space, and/or if the item is not being sufficiently used.

The plan defines collection selection levels for acquisition and evaluation:

Popular/Basic Collection – Level 1
Working Collection – Level 2
Resource Collection – Level 3
Research Collection – Level 4

Contra Costa County Library

Martinez, California, USA

http://ccclib.org/aboutus/ThePlan3.pdf

The Contra Costa County Library in California has twenty-four branches, and requires continuous evaluation. The library has a Collection Development Committee that conducts the continual evaluation, which includes the library’s over-all needs, reviewing standing orders, core collections and recurring collections.” The committee consists of the Collection Development Manager, the Collection Development Staff, the Deputy County Librarian/Support Services, Area Specialists, a selected group of staff representatives, and Collection Planners (p.24). The committee examines circulation statistics, user and non-user surveys, staff surveys, and subject needs/purchase requests.

Hammond Public Library

564 State Street

Hammond Indiana 46320

http://www.hammond.lib.in.us/assets/bp-5306-collection-development-policy.pdf

At the Hammond Public library, evaluation of the collection is done with the criteria that the material will be selected for use for either intensively short period or occasionally over a period of years, with a continuous process of withdrawal (p.3). Materials are evaluated based on how they meet the library’s mission, product reviews, patron requests, community needs, reputation of the author, and currency of information. The library uses CREW and MUSTIE for the deselection of material. Hammond’s policy does not specify who is responsible for collection development.

Collection Development Plan Review

All libraries share certain selection factors such as popularity, currency of information, reputation of the author or publisher, cost, relation to existing material in the library or easily attainable through ILL.

There are noticeable differences in length and thoroughness of the three libraries development plan. The Hammond Public Library has the shortest policy of the three libraries studied. It consists of thirteen pages. The policy does not specify the responsible party for collection development, or give a timeline. One notable difference between the Hammond library and the other two reviewed is it is the only library of the three, which does not have multiple branches.

The Kansas City County Library’s plan consists of thirty-one pages covering all the topics, and more, of the elements needed in a collection policy according to the course reading by Wayne Disher. The policy is easy to read, and to locate needed information. Responsibilities are clearly defined.

The Contra Costa County Library in California has the most conclusive policy of the three plans. The policy is a hundred and twenty-one pages long. It includes an annual timeline for collection development to meet the plans requirements (p.19). Since the policy must meet the needs of twenty-four branches the policy covers a large range of topics and issues. All topics are clearly defined in the table of contents page.

Reference

Contra Costa County Library. (2011). Collection Development Plan. 06 January 2011.

Retrieved from https://www.kclibrary.org/collection-plan

Hammond Public Library. (2009). Collection Development Policy. 06 September 2016.

Retrieved from http://www.hammond.lib.in.us/assets/bp-5306-collection-development-policy.pdf

Kansas City Public Library. (2009). Collection Development and Management Plan Revised and Updated. 17 September 2018.