[Publib] Re: Collection Development/Reference Collections

[Andy Barnett]

At 10:37 AM 11/12/2008 -0500, you wrote:
>  We're a medium-sized public library which needs to increase its circulation.


Consider that maybe you are buying the right materials, but other factors 
are at work.
1. Make the library a destination. Easier said than done, but get people 
into your building that aren't coming there now. Programs and busy meeting 
rooms help.
2. Wow them when they get there. If they say"I haven't been here in a 
while", will they notice any changes or does it look like it did when you 
were hired? http://www.mcmillanlibrary.org/library/images/0509010013.JPG
3. Get the people who come in to take more items each. Better displays, 
especially of newer items.  Keep them surprised with all the great books 
you own. http://www.mcmillanlibrary.org/library/images/mcmillan0017.JPG
4. Space. Stack like areas will generate the smallest possible amount of 
circ per square foot and per item. Shelves with some room around them will 
generate twice as much use. 
http://www.mcmillanlibrary.org/library/images/2005_1130AH.JPG
5. Are you in a shared system? If so, you are a branch in a larger virtual 
library. Start buying like a branch. Keep your low circ items in someone 
else's library.
6. Zones. You have adult and children's areas. Think about having a tech or 
AV zone, with relaxed/un-library like rules. Then apply zoning to your 
larger spaces. genealogy /YA / Romance/ laptop plug in. Larger open spaces 
break down into something more comfortable, while retaining a spaciousness 
that remains inviting.
7. Use patterns have definitely changed. Kids don't use paper magazines for 
homework and are unlikely to pick up three books for an assignment. Shared 
systems with on-line catalogs = Amazon like choices with 2-3 day delivery. 
Think about how to meet 80% of the local need from your collection and 
don't fret if 20% comes from the shared system. In fact, hitting 80% in a 
shared system is a difficult task.
8. Make everything as self-service as possible so your staff can help those 
who need help. Spending time helping people jump through hoops gets in the 
way of real service.
9. Not in a shared system? Then continue to operate like its 1999.


Andy Barnett, Asst. Director            McMillan Memorial Library
490 East Grand Ave. Wisconsin Rapids, WI  54494
                 www.mcmillanlibrary.org
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that 
matter.  -  Martin Luther King, Jr.