[Publib] Collection handling - best practices

[Janet Hilderman]

Hi there,

The Regina Public Library in Saskatchewan, Canada, is conducting a programs
and services review.   I am a member of the committee reviewing Collections
practices.  I'd like to hear about any best practices for handling
collections that you're particularly proud of.

Here are some specific issues that might be addressed:

How do you handle holds and returns?  Can a borrower pick up and drop off at
any library location in your system?   Do you charge a fine if a hold is not
picked up?

Do you have any collections separated out from the main collection, and if
so, what collections?  E.g.- do you have genre fiction such as Mysteries,
Westerns, etc. separated out from your hardcover or paperback fiction
collections?   E.g.- do you have collections such as Biographies separate
from the rest of your non-fiction collection?

How do you handle displays?

Which collections, if any, does your library allow to float?

Do you have special loan periods or loan limits designed to maximize
collection use?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Janet

P.S.-
Here's a little background information about Regina Public Library:
Population served: 190,400
One central library and 8 branch locations
Materials budget (2005): $1,428,800.
Total circulation (2005): 2,673,744
Total FTEs: 161.