[Publib] Best strategies for getting to know my collection

[Frances Meadows]

The best way is to shelve, shelve, shelve!  I knew everything we had in our
collection.  Patrons would seek me out to find them a book.  

Frances Meadows

Magee Public Library

 

 

  _____  

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Tom Cooper
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 8:59 AM
To: Nicole Hershberger; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Best strategies for getting to know my collection

 

Another way to get to know the collection, and use your professional skills
at the same time, is to prepare seasonal and/or topical bibliographies for
your patrons. This also helps you spot weaknesses in the collection. If, for
instance, you decide to do a list of good books on summer activities, and
you don't have many, that's good to know. 

 

Tom Cooper, Director 
Webster Groves Public Library 
301 E. Lockwood 
Webster Groves, MO 63119 

(314) 961-3784 
tcooper at wgpl.org 

Do not judge beliefs by their plausibility, but by the harm they may do. 
                                             Nassim Nicholas Taleb 

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Nicole Hershberger
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 3:11 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Best strategies for getting to know my collection

 

Hello all!

I am a newly-minted librarian, recently responsible for both the children's
and young adult collections at a well-used suburban library. Though I've
taken courses in 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, this is 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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