Bartlett, Wendy K. Floating Collections: A Collection Development Model for Long-Term Success. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2014. ISBN: 978-1-59884-743-7
Publisher's Description
Librarians seeking to stretch their budgets during economically
challenged times are turning to "floating collections" as a
solution—where movement of material is generated by hold requests and
items remain where they are checked in. It's likely that in a very short
time, floating collections will move from best practice to standard
practice.
This easy-to-use, comprehensive guide shows how to establish a floating collection in any library—regardless of type or size.
Despite its increasing popularity, there are few published works about floating and floating collections. Virtually no one has addressed critical long-term issues like core collections, material selection, and weeding after floating has taken place. Floating Collections: A Collection Development Model for Long-Term Success makes all of this urgently needed information available in one place.
This unique guidebook defines "floating," explains the pros and cons, explores the impact of floating collections on collection work, and enables readers to establish a floating collection in any library. Not only does this book help librarians to decide rationally if, how, and when to float, it also outlines a how-to process for maximum success based on the real-world experience of many systems and identifies ways to maximize the advantages of a floating collection. In addition, the author addresses common collection concerns and outlines workable solutions for problematic issues that can arise.
Features
• Checklists for various stages of the floating process
• Frequently asked questions for staff members
• A bibliography of publications on floating collections, covering websites of floating libraries, PLA presentations, articles, and listserv archives
• An index covers major topics, libraries described within the text, as well as interviewed individuals
Highlights
• Presents best practices from libraries in the United States and Canada
• Synthesizes all relevant background material, history, and reasons other systems have decided to float, enabling the prospective floater to make the best decision for his or her library
• Contains chapters on conquering major stumbling blocks, predicting success with concrete numbers and other simple-to-use methods
• Provides insight into correcting common problems or issues related to collection work
Sample Topics
Advantages and Disadvantages to a Floating Collection
Best Practices from Other Systems
Beta Testing Your Float
Buying for a Floating Collection
Creating a Management Dream Team
Customer Impact
Customers as Part of the Collection Development Team
Floating a Collection
History of Floating
Overcoming Staff Resistance to Your Float
Predicting What Floating Will do to Your Collection
Reader's Advisory and the Floating Collection
Rebalancing the Floating Collection
Saving Money with a Floating Collection
Social Capital Argument for Floating Collections
Technical Aspects with ILS
Weeding the Floating Collection
What Other Systems are Floating
What to do with the Main Branch(es) When the Books Float Away
This easy-to-use, comprehensive guide shows how to establish a floating collection in any library—regardless of type or size.
Despite its increasing popularity, there are few published works about floating and floating collections. Virtually no one has addressed critical long-term issues like core collections, material selection, and weeding after floating has taken place. Floating Collections: A Collection Development Model for Long-Term Success makes all of this urgently needed information available in one place.
This unique guidebook defines "floating," explains the pros and cons, explores the impact of floating collections on collection work, and enables readers to establish a floating collection in any library. Not only does this book help librarians to decide rationally if, how, and when to float, it also outlines a how-to process for maximum success based on the real-world experience of many systems and identifies ways to maximize the advantages of a floating collection. In addition, the author addresses common collection concerns and outlines workable solutions for problematic issues that can arise.
Features
• Checklists for various stages of the floating process
• Frequently asked questions for staff members
• A bibliography of publications on floating collections, covering websites of floating libraries, PLA presentations, articles, and listserv archives
• An index covers major topics, libraries described within the text, as well as interviewed individuals
Highlights
• Presents best practices from libraries in the United States and Canada
• Synthesizes all relevant background material, history, and reasons other systems have decided to float, enabling the prospective floater to make the best decision for his or her library
• Contains chapters on conquering major stumbling blocks, predicting success with concrete numbers and other simple-to-use methods
• Provides insight into correcting common problems or issues related to collection work
Sample Topics
Advantages and Disadvantages to a Floating Collection
Best Practices from Other Systems
Beta Testing Your Float
Buying for a Floating Collection
Creating a Management Dream Team
Customer Impact
Customers as Part of the Collection Development Team
Floating a Collection
History of Floating
Overcoming Staff Resistance to Your Float
Predicting What Floating Will do to Your Collection
Reader's Advisory and the Floating Collection
Rebalancing the Floating Collection
Saving Money with a Floating Collection
Social Capital Argument for Floating Collections
Technical Aspects with ILS
Weeding the Floating Collection
What Other Systems are Floating
What to do with the Main Branch(es) When the Books Float Away
