Feel the need to weed! Each MHLS member library can receive a custom report about their collection from the Central Reference Library that empowers libraries to reshape their collection and to make room for the future.
Unveiled at the March Directors Association by Central Reference Library/Poughkeepsie Public Library Executive Director Tom Lawrence, the reports concentrate on older materials that have not circulated recently, across all collections. This includes books and A/V materials in the adult, juvenile, and teen/YA collections.
The Central Library staff can supply a list of items that have been in your collection for more than a given number of years and that have not circulated in a given number of years. For example, a "10/7" list of items with records created at least 10 years ago and that have not circulated for at least 7 years. Or, for those libraries ready to get serious, a "10/5" list!
These lists combined with the professional know-how of trained library staff using the CREW manual [
http://bit.ly/1ixYOv9] can result in healthier, cleaner, newer looking collections for patrons to enjoy. This is a proven outcome thanks to the Early Adopters of the MHLS Increasing Circulation Incubator Group that tested out these methods in 2015.
Did you know? Professional visual merchandisers recommend that shelves be no more than 75-85% full to allow for open space and space to market items by facing them outwards or providing clues, also known as "shelf talkers" to patrons that they can place holds on items they don't find or download ebooks or access a database related to particular areas of the collection.
Source: 5minlib.com
The Central Reference Library staff have also provided answers to
frequently asked questions like what to do about items you don't find; how to handle long-age BILLED items; and what to do about CLMS RETD items. Information for requesting a library's report has been shared with all MHLS member library directors.
Questions can be directed to the Central Reference Library.
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