[Publib] Best strategies for getting to know my collection

[Bonnie Mendes]

I must echo the shelving idea.  Get out and put books away.  The areas that 
always need straightening are the popular areas.  Also, check your 
reserves/holds lists that are generated.  What are the patrons requesting on 
a regular basis?

Pick your busiest day and work the circulation desk.  You'll get a good feel 
for what the parents and/or kids are looking for.

Check your circulation statistics on a regular basis. This is not something 
that can be done just once a year -- you need to see the trends as they are 
happening.

Patrons are a great source!

Good luck!
______________________________________________________
Bonnie Mendes                                     CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE:
Library Directorhttp://somersetpubliclibrary.org 
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Telephone:  508-646-2829  /  Fax: 508-646-2831
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-----Original Message-----

From: "Nicole Hershberger" <nhershberger at nopl.org>

To: <publib at webjunction.org>

Date: Fri, 15 May 2009 16:10:35 -0400

Subject: [Publib] Best strategies for getting to know my collection







Hello all!


I am a newly-minted librarian,recentlyresponsible for both the children’s 
and young adult collections at a well-used suburban library.Though I’ve 
takencoursesin children’s and YA lit,and read some of it for 
pleasure,I’m no expert. And I’m painfully aware of the fact that I 
don’t know my collection all that well.


“Get to know your collection”shows up constantly in collection 
development and outreach guidelines…but how best to do it? I know that 
weeding is a good way to do it, but at our library, thisis often done by 
clerks (and they do a great job of it). I do lots of walkthroughs, just 
browsing. And I do talk to the kids who come in as much as possible.


I know there’s no instant way to become an expert on my collection,and 
I’m planning to do continuing education activities and such. Meanwhile, I 
do have a budget I need to spend and purchasing decisions to make.So, great 
collective mind:what are your best tips for me?What is the fastest way for 
me to get to know my collection?





Nicole Hershberger


Children's Librarian


NOPL Cicero


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