Make your collection count! This session talks about the overall quality of a library collection, including the benefits and methods of taking a physical inventory, analyzing collection procedures and workflows, and the life cycle of a collection. Most importantly, learn how to measure a collection’s quality. Our holistic approach to collection management will help all types and sizes of libraries to keep pace with the demands and expectations of their communities.
5. Collection Philosophy
Broad vs. Deep
Popular materials vs. Well-rounded content
Diversity & Inclusion
"A quality collection...offers strategies to ensure that learners
actively engage with the materials." -Mona Kerby, Introduction to
Collection Development for School Librarians
6. Collection Objectives
Collection policy states how the
collection will fulfill the mission.
Collection objectives detail the purpose of
each collection and criteria for selection.
9. ILS Reports
• No circ prior to <date>
• Publication date prior to <date>
• Turnover rate
• Items marked missing
• Items “extremely overdue”
• Circ by call number range
• Highest circulating items
• In-house use
• Shelf list
10. Sorting
Every time you
sort a report in
Excel you get a
different piece of
information about
the collection.
13. Group Metrics
HOW DOES ONE
COLLECTION PERFORM
COMPARED TO
ANOTHER?
HOW OLD IS THE
COLLECTION?
HOW DO E-BOOKS
COMPARE TO PRINT?
WHAT ITEMS ARE
LIKELY TO BE
DAMAGED?
Group metrics describe the
activity of a whole collection.
14. AVERAGE AGE
VS.
MEDIAN AGE
Report carefully
Only include similar items
This report gives you an idea of how
old a group of items skews.
16. Item Metrics
How does its
use compare
to other titles?
How old is it? What is its
physical
condition?
Is there an
updated edition
available?
DESCRIBE THE ACTIVITY OF A SINGLE ITEM IN THE COLLECTION.
Is there a better title?