Re: GEN: collection evaluation

[sandes <sandes@WILKEN-DSM.COM>]

It is quite a mistake to think that the quantity of books equals the
quality of books or that we need to save some things that just "might" be
used.

It is also quite a mistake to think that there is some "scientific" way of
evaluating a library collection because a library must reflect the
clientelle it should be serving.

My library collection in Kitimat, British Columbia, would not serve the
needs of our school here in Tanzania.  And, I think, you will find that
libraries even within a single school district could not be adequately
interchanged.

But there are some aids that you will find useful, particularly the Texas
State Library and Archives Commission's Crew Method : Expanded Guidelines
for Collection Evaluation and Weeding for Small and Medium-sized Public
Libraries  (originally by Joseph P. Segal and revised by Belinda Boon).
It's available from The Texas State Library, Library Development Division,
Post Office Box 12927, Austin, TX  78711-2927  (Phone : 512-463-5465) which
gives some very clear guidelines on what to keep and what to get rid of,
and has a fine bibliography of books, pamphlet, and articles.  It must, of
course, be adapted to your own particular library.

Besides the quality of information that should be found in your library,
there is the question of "saleability" - a concept that appearance is a
significant factor in getting the user to the information.

In all my libraries, I ensure that part of the annual order includes titles
that are on the shelves but which even I wouldn't touch with the proverbial
"ten-foot pole."  Take a hint from your local bookstores which are using
marketing strategies to promote their products.

And, don't forget that some items will require additional copies.  One of
the book jobbers I once used had a wonderful paperback program of media
tie-ins, sending out boxes of books relating to movies, television
specials, etc.  If, and when, I use them again, I'll be sure to order five
copies of each.

Earl


Earl Sande
Secondary School Librarian
International School of Tanganyika
Post Office Box 2651
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(e-mail :  sandes@wilken-dsm.com)

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