A Moving Collection

A Moving Collection  

Susan Sinclair, Collection Specialist for Dunedin Public Libraries, with a behind-the-scenes look at collection management.

As a Collection Development Team member, one of my specialised tasks is to move books around the library network, between the City, Mosgiel, Port Chalmers, Waikouaiti and Blueskin Bay Libraries. (Bookbus staff manage their own collections because of the small size of the buses). Why and how do we do this? Not randomly, but using improved technology and expertise.

Why we do it

The Library needs to make sure that our popular authors have enough titles in each library, so that there are always some on the shelves to choose from. We also need to make sure we have enough books on each subject, and not more than are needed. Sometimes specific areas become under-stocked or over-stocked, due to unexpected demand, or changing trends and fashions, so we need to redress the balance. If there are too many books on a shelf, the best ones are harder to find! And we need to keep the collections looking fresh, interesting, balanced and attractive.

How we do it

We use computer software to run reports, to help us decide what should be transferred, and where. Each month, our circulation data is collected and analysed, using an evidence-based stock management tool to increase the efficiency of our collections, make better use of staff time, enhance our customers’ experience and boost circulation. We are able to customise the reports, set targets, and monitor our progress. My aim is to maximise the potential of each book in the collection. Once I’ve run the reports, I’ll visit each library monthly and transfer the books to their new location, with the help of our courier van drivers.

Results?

Over the last year we’ve transferred 1,268 fiction books and 1,802 non-fiction books. This has resulted in an extra 7,920 circulations, saving us many thousands of dollars, while improving the choices for our customers. Books which are past their first flush of youth or are no longer popular are being sold on our sale tables, increasing the space for fresh new exciting books.

Susan Sinclair, Collection Specialist