[Publib] Best strategies for getting to know my collection

[Judith Turner]

Hi, Nicole and good morning to all!  Bright and sunny, but chilly, day here.

Several people have mentioned shelving books that have been returned
and presumably new items that are ready to go on the shelves.

I'd add shelf reading to that -- going through what's already on the shelves and making sure they are in order.  It's a great way to turn up missing items and it makes it easier for your patron to find items.  Also, you'll notice where there's overcrowding and where there's (possibly) extra space. Check circ. records first before trying a shift though - every now and then we'd think some empty space had turned up miraculously, only to discover a curator, intern or volunteer had borrowed the items.

We had three separate areas to shelve books - a small reference alcove near the card catalog, the main collection (books and serials) and  special collections.  It was surprising how often "missing" items turned up in an area not its own, even with so few choices.

Judy Turner
Whitefish Bay, WI

"Donna Noble has left the library. Donna Noble has been saved." ---- "Silence in the Library"  (Doctor Who, Season 4, Ep. 8)