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Collection Development Guidelines
General Selection Guidelines
Abington Free Library
We are selecting for a wide variety of patrons, from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our patrons expect to purchase current materials. It is the role of the Abington Free Library to serve as a source of popular reading materials as well as research. We purchase materials in a variety of formats – e.g. books, periodicals, videos, audios, sheet music, etc., to serve our citizens.
Professional library staff are the designated selectors. The selectors are allocated budget amounts each year. The various areas are divided among the selectors. The Head of Reference will purchase for the reference collection.
Here are some guidelines to follow in selecting current fiction and non-fiction.
- All librarians should use Booklist and LJ for primary selection tools. Starred reviews are to be seriously considered. PW, the B&T and Ingram preview publications should be reviewed in a timely manor. There are many other useful periodicals that review materials in a given field. It is up to the selectors to look for materials in their assigned areas.
- New York Times Book Review Best Seller list is reviewed carefully each week. All items on the Best Seller list should be purchased, with very few exceptions.
- We should purchase most items reviewed in the New York Times Book Review. Our public reads this and we should purchase anything with a favorable review and seriously consider even less than favorable reviews.
- Book reviews in The Philadelphia Inquirer should be checked weekly as well.
- It is important to pay attention to patron requests. Current year requests are referred to the librarian in charge of the area for consideration. Patron requests for materials not in the collection are reviewed carefully for purchase. Staff requests by any staff member should be given due consideration.
- In general, we do not purchase textbooks.
- We are working carefully to provide all political, religious, and lifestyle points of view. We do not reject the purchase of material because of personal disapproval or philosophical disagreement.
- The Abington Free Library has adopted the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and View statements. These documents are also found in the Library’s Personnel Manual along with the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials.
satterthwaite 09132004
Generalities (000-099)
This is a broad collection that reflects many general subjects. In the area of library science, the collection consists of only a few materials. There is also a small section of readers’ advisory materials. The library purchases popular commentaries on journalism and journalists and popular writing manuals. Other materials in the area include older editions of encyclopedias and almanacs and unexplained phenomena and extra-terrestrial materials. Illuminated manuscript items will classified in the 700s. Computer books make up the bulk of this section. This part of the collection is aimed primarily at the business and home microcomputer user. The hardware emphasis is therefore on IBM/MS-DOS and Macintosh models. Software books, purchased proportionately to the hardware platform emphasis, cover the major types of packages: word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphics, desktop publishing, communications, networking, etc. A small number of items are selected on minicomputer and mainframe topics. Multiple copies of popular items may be purchased.
Selection Plan
Standard selection tools are used for this area. Publishers’ catalogs and ads are also used regularly. Library Journal is relied on heavily. Two web sites are checked regularly for new releases; they are www.amazon.com and www.Peachpitpress.com .
Retention and Weeding
In the library science area, classical works and current practice works will be retained. In other areas, the criteria can be dictated by demand and current circulation. In the computer books area, the software version number must also be considered. In some instances, an upgrade substantial enough that it is expected that all users will upgrade to the new version, while other times a significant number of users will stay with the earlier version. Hardware books should be weeded within 3-5 years, software books after 2-4 years; however, repair books can be retained much longer. Computer purchasing books will be out-of-date even sooner.
Sep. 2004 rev. 01/2004/Msatterthwaite
Philosophy and Psychology (100-199)
The philosophy/psychology collection includes works by and about major philosophers and philosophies, both Western and Eastern, ancient and modern. Subjects in this area include metaphysics, ethics, logic, the paranormal, and psychology. Other subject concentrations include spiritualism, works on witchcraft and magic, and works on parapsychology. The most heavily used portion of the collection (150-158) contains classic and popular self-help books.
Influencing Factors
In the areas of philosophy and psychology, the Library buys what is reviewed in both standard reviewing sources and supplementary sources, such as publishers’ catalogs, university press catalogs, and other specialized aids. The Library concentrates on titles of popular appeal and those accessible to the informed non-professional reader. Attention is given to media coverage on the ethical ramifications of social, medical, business, and environmental questions as it often stimulates patron demand.
Selection Plan
Continued interest in psychology and psychiatry on the part of AFL patrons is a decisive factor in selection. Interest remains high for materials on interpersonal relations, child and adolescent psychology, and death and grieving. Because of the large number of popular titles in these subject areas, the author or publisher’s reputation is of prime importance in the selection of materials.
In the area of philosophy (180-199), the Library attempts to cover both Western and Eastern ideas in the field. AFL makes every effort to keep these sections dynamic and current for potential student and personal use. Emphasis is placed on balancing the collection by purchasing titles on Asian and Middle Eastern schools of thought when available.
Retention and Weeding
When weeding, paranormal titles are retained if in good condition. Psychology materials are weeded to assure current accuracy and to reflect new research. Classic titles in both psychology and philosophy are retained.
Religion (200-299)
The religion collection contains materials of interest to the general public. It includes such topics as theology, biblical studies, Church history, moral and devotional literature, and titles on comparative religions. At present, the collection is strongly Jewish and Christian in content, but every effort is being made to expand the coverage of other religions. Concentration is on popularly written layperson-accessible titles of potential interest to practitioners of both Christian and non-Christian faiths and to other interested parties.
Influencing Factors
In the area of religion the library buys what is reviewed in both standard reviewing sources and supplementary sources, such as publishers’ catalogs. Media reporting of current religious events also influences selection.
Selection Plan
The library seeks to augment its present collections in Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and other world religions with materials of interest to lay readers and those relevant to current social events. All religions and denominations are represented as fairly as possible in the collection, but sectarian materials of a proselytizing nature are excluded in favor of unbiased, informative presentations.
Retention & Weeding
Weeding is especially important in light of the recent boom in religious publishing. Classic works, histories, sacred texts of major religions, and important commentaries are retained. Books in poor condition and titles of an ephemeral nature are withdrawn to maintain space for newer titles.
Social Sciences (300-399)
The Social sciences collection covers a vast array of topics dealing with society and its issues: adolescence, retirement, motherhood, step parenting, sex roles, relationships, characteristics of society, relationship with the environment, and ethnic groups. It is important that information be current, accurate and presents a balanced view of controversial issues. Certain subject areas will need constant revision, while others should be carefully and seldom weeded.
320-329 (Political Science)
Books in this section are intended to help nonprofessionals understand and participate in the political process of this country. Among the topics covered are basic political issues, special interest groups, and histories of political parties.
330-339 (Economics)
Investment books in this area should reflect current strategies and well-known authors. Watch for new editions and books by current experts.
340-349 (Law)
Patrons generally demand resources that allow them to be "at-home attorneys." They want to be informed of the laws that govern our society. There is great interest in such topics as living wills and probate.
360-369 (Social Services)
The true crime collection is a high interest collection with many titles being published each year. Watch for bestseller authors who need to be added.
370-379 (Education)
The education collection covers all levels from kindergarten through college. Within that range it presents a retrospective look at the history and philosophy of education as well as issues, theory and methodology prevalent in the field today. College handbooks and test preparation materials are an important component of this area.
390-399 (Customs, Etiquette, Folklore)
There is a continuing need for titles on historical costumes. Etiquette books are always popular, particularly business etiquette in the growing world market in which practical knowledge of other cultures is essential. The folklore books will always be in demand to answer the questions "Why do we do and say and believe...?" and should reflect diverse cultures.
Influencing Factors
A diverse service population influences the selection of materials. The community's professional, intellectual and recreational pursuits and its diversity present a challenge to the library in keeping the collection current with a rapidly changing world. Generally, the media are strong influences on patron interests, especially in political science and investment areas, and consequently, on our selection of materials. Also important is the growing number of immigrants in the community who need citizenship and educational materials.
Selection Plan
Besides the standard selection tools (Library Journal, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly), newspapers, such as the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, are consulted for their book reviews. Publisher's catalogs (ARCO, Barron’s, Peterson’s, Nolo, etc.) are also used extensively in obtaining high-demand materials in areas such as career books, test guides, business books, tax and legal guides. Concentration should be on popularly written titles and materials of interest to the informed layperson. Currently there is a standing order for the Opposing Viewpoints series to provide students with information on controversial issues. Particular attention should be paid to augmenting these “pro and con” materials.
Retention & Weeding
The social science collection needs aggressive weeding on an annual basis. Duplicate copies, out-of-date materials, and books that are damaged or are in poor condition should be pulled from the collection. Classic titles and historical studies should be retained. Many areas, such as crime, personal finance, political science, some areas of law and legal issues, tax materials, real estate, etc., can be weeded heavily each year because the materials date rapidly. New titles are preferred rather than replacement copies. Occasionally duplicate copies are needed to satisfy patron demand, but, in general, single copies are sufficient.
Language (400-499)
The languages/linguistics collection consists of standard works for the nonspecialist on subjects such as the origin, use and acquisition of language, and comparisons of languages. Emphasis is on the English language, its history, structure, and meaning. There is also an emphasis on literacy, sign languages, and materials on English as a Second Language (ESL). Dictionaries for major European and Asian languages are represented. Use of audiovisual materials for ESL and European languages is high.
Influencing Factors
Abington is an ethnically diverse community with many new immigrants, many needing English as a Second Language material. To support the Adult Literacy program, there is a strong, and increasing, demand for materials in learning English as a second language and in the grammatical structure of the English language, as well as preparation for the TOFEL exam. This collection should cover the language demands of the public. It should be maintained to support fundamental school and public library inquiries. Current practices and theories should be represented along with classic treatments.
Selection Plan
Besides the standard selection tools, university press publishers' catalogs and language textbook publishers' catalogs are consulted for the selection of materials. Heavy attention should be given to ESL materials, TOEFL guides, and other English language learning materials. Duplication may be necessary in this area. Dictionaries in foreign languages should be obtained, as needed, to answer needs of the Abington Township community.
Retention & Weeding
The field of languages and linguistics is generally stable. Books are retained as long as they are in good condition and continue to circulate reasonably well. Items receiving heavy use, such as TOEFL guides, ESL materials, and other English language learning materials, should be replaced regularly with new copies and titles to maintain currency and freshness in the collection. It is especially important to replace worn or missing titles in the heavy circulating area of English language materials, to keep in touch with the changing needs of the community, and to monitor demand for language-instruction titles and dictionaries
Pure Sciences (500-599)
The primary mission of the science and math collection is to meet the needs of students (junior high through beginning college level) and those who are interested in developing their scientific and mathematical knowledge. The collection also consists of books on science fair projects and experiments in major subcategories of science such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Sciences.
Influencing Factors
Books and other materials in Science and Mathematics subject areas are often needed by many junior high school students as well as high school students. The demand for relevant, current information dealing with evolving subject areas such as biosciences, genetics, nanosciences and new scientific theories and principles is high. There is a particular need for books with illustrations and pictures on plants, trees and animals and therefore, these types of books and materials will be considered for their acquisition in the library. Based on perceived needs of the users coming to the Abington Township Public Library, Science and Math collection can be further strengthened with increased emphasis on acquiring basic materials in subject areas such as Algebra, Geometry, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
Selection Plan
Selection is based on book reviews published in professional journals including Booklist, Library Journal, Discover, Science News and Scientific American. Suggestions from the library users, from the professional reference staff and other staff members are also considered for book acquisition. Collection decisions for such requests are normally made by the librarian in charge of science collections. As gaps in certain subject areas are found, efforts will be made to select and acquire books and other materials in those areas.
Retention & Weeding
Weeding in this subject area needs to be carefully planned and monitored.
Basic scientific theories in subject areas such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Earth Sciences do not change. Classic books in those subject areas must be kept. For our collection, Academic type books can be weeded since college students should be able to get those types of materials from their academic libraries. Very old materials in poor condition, and which were not checked out during the past five years are the candidates for weeding.
The applied science and technology section serves an extremely wide range of needs: medical information from personal health to disease coping and recovery; all aspects of home economics, including cookbooks, gardening, pets, home and appliance repair; electronics and engineering, including automobile maintenance and repair; business books, ranging from starting and running a home business through improving one's management style and moving up the corporate ladder; and books on manufacturing and the building trades.
Influencing Factors
Public library patrons historically have extensive interests in areas such as business, personal health, cookery, do-it-yourself-projects, etc. Consequently, the demand for relevant, current information on these subjects is always high. The library’s location near the Abington Memorial Hospital increases our demand for health books but also allows us to refer patrons to the hospital library.
Selection Plan
Standard selection tools and publishers’ catalogs will be used for selection. The standard sources generally provide adequate coverage of medicine, agriculture, home economics and management, while a greater reliance on additional sources may be necessary for other subjects such as electronics, engineering, manufacturing and building. Rarely should more than one copy of a title be purchased.
610-619 Medical, Diet, & Exercise
With the exception of classic works in such general areas as anatomy, nursing and first aid, most selections in the medical sciences should be aimed at the general consumer. It is important to cover as wide a range of diseases and treatments as possible.
620-629, 660-699 Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing & Building
Coverage of the more popular subjects in these areas needs to be broad in terms of level, from beginner to professional. Other subjects, especially some in the 660s, 670s and 680s, are too specialized and technical for a public library this size, in which case only popular works aimed at the non-professional are appropriate. Broad coverage is especially important in car repair books in terms of both year and model, with emphasis on popular models and those older than 3-4 years and thus out of warranty when needing repair. Patrons are able to use Chilton’s Repair Manuals on the Auto Repair Reference Center, an online database provided by Pennsylvania State on the Power Library Access.
630-649 Gardening, Pets, Cooking, Remodeling & Parenting
All of these areas are popular and additions should be made on a regular basis.
Retention & Weeding
Weeding is based on the normal criteria of age, condition and usage, with the additional criteria listed below for certain subjects.
610-619 Medical
In general, medical books should be aggressively weeded to ensure that all sources are accurate and up-to-date. Any medical book five years or older should be given skeptical consideration. This is especially true for books on specific diseases. In other areas, such as dieting, smoking cessation, etc., weeding should be based more on usage level. While it is necessary to select a wide range of books in such areas, their popularity often drops quickly after a year or two.
620-629 Engineering
In all areas, retention should be based on usage level and accuracy of information. In electronics repair, consideration should also be given to the popularity of the device.
Car Repair Books:
Chilton's, Mitchell's, Haynes’ and Hollander’s multi-year or all-model books should be retained permanently (or as long as their condition permits). Single-model books should be retained as long as the model is popular.
630-636 Agriculture, Gardening and Animal Care
Heavy use in this area means that weeding should be done as often as possible.
640-649 Home Ec., Cooking, Remodeling and Parenting
Many new titles are added in this area and the use is heavy, so weeding must be done regularly to avoid overcrowding. Withdrawal considerations should be based on the condition of the book, excess material in any given area, or outdated information.
660-699 Manufacturing & Building
Special care in weeding should be taken in this area as good books in engineering, technology and manufacturing for the general public can be difficult to find. Books should be up-to-date and cover as broad a range of topics as possible.
Arts and Recreation (700-799)
The 700’s encompass a wide range of subject matter including the fine arts, handicrafts, drawing and painting, music and materials on sports and recreation. In particular, Abington Free Library maintains a well-developed art collection. Collected materials in the 700’s are primarily written at a popular level with some scholarly material included as well.
Influencing Factors
Patron interest and demand influence purchasing patterns in the arts and recreation. Standard library selection sources as well as publishers’ catalogs are consulted for purchasing decisions. In addition, attention is given to events at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other local institutions. Philadelphia sports teams and events also influence selection.
Selection Plan
Well-reviewed works by and about prominent artists should be selected whenever possible. Books on Philadelphia sports teams are essential purchases. Current price guides to collectibles are added to the Reference collection with earlier editions moved to the circulating collection.
Retention & Weeding
When weeding, materials on art history and individual artists should be retained as long as use indicates patron interest. Works by and about prominent artists should be retained if in good condition. The same criteria apply to books on the history of theater, music, and dance. Handicrafts, hobbies, collectibles, and sports books should be kept current by regularly withdrawing worn and out-dated materials and purchasing new editions.
Literature (800-899)
The literature collection consists of the following major subject areas:
Material in this collection is intended to aid the writer or aspiring writer of fiction and nonfiction for adults, children, or more specific audiences. It includes advice on writing techniques and finding a publisher for novels, short stories, poetry, and genre fiction, among others. Writing term/research papers, articles for periodicals, letters, and technical reports are some of the popular subjects selected for this area. Also included are style manuals and handbooks on English composition and books on preparing and delivering speeches and toasts.
Literary history and criticism:
Titles are selected to cover the literatures of the world and the various forms of literature. They may also consist of surveys of one or more national or regional literatures, or studies of individual authors and individual works.
Collections of speeches, essays, and humorous writings; anthologies of short stories; and plays and poems in both single-author volumes and anthologies.
Emphasis is on British and American literature. Basic and representative core works of the literature and culture of many other nations are present in translation to support a basic level of school and public library inquiries.
Influencing Factors
Required reading in local high schools centers on major European and American authors and the collection reflects this emphasis. School literary assignments and the recreational and continuing education needs of the public library community necessitate a literature collection responsive to demand. The literature collection needs development mostly in the literatures of non-English speaking nations. More copies of American literary criticism suitable for high school students need to be purchased, as well as literary criticism in non-English literatures. Criticism and works of contemporary authors of note need to be purchased in greater numbers to broaden the scope of the Library's collection.
Selection Plan
Standard selection journals are consulted to maintain the literature collection, along with publishers' catalogs, such as those of Chelsea House, Twayne and those of university presses. Concentrated purchasing is done in the area of style manuals, books on letter and speech writing, and publication of all styles of writing. Some titles, such as Writers Market and Writer's Handbook are supplemented by reference copies which may be converted to circulating copies when a new edition is received. One copy is usually sufficient in all areas of the collection except in criticism of authors and classic works of literature regularly appearing in class assignments. Multiple copies of such criticism are valuable. Titles with a good history of use may be replaced as often as necessary but preference is given to selecting new titles.
Retention & Weeding
Classic and current authors are retained, with weeding done on the basis of lasting influence and demand. Since literature is fairly stable, concentrated weeding can be done on a three-to-four-year cycle to replace damaged books and withdraw outdated material. Reference books, such as Books in Print, Public Library Catalog, and local high school reading lists may be consulted before withdrawing titles in this collection.
Geography and History (900-999)
The history and travel collection consists of popular works intended for a general audience, supplemental materials to support student use, covering primarily the United States and Western European history and other parts of the world as warranted by demand and resources. It also includes a section of collected biographies in the 920s.
Influencing Factors
Abington is an ethnically diverse, educated community and patrons use current as well as classic works in the study of all aspects of history. There is considerable interest and demand for national and international travel materials. Students make heavy use of the age of exploration books, decade books (The Sixties, The Seventies, etc.), books on Native Americans and American History.
Selection Plan
In addition to the standard selection tools, university press publishers' catalogs, New York Times Book Review, American Historical Review and Public Library Catalog are checked regularly. Travel materials are selected through the standard tools as well as through publishers’ catalogs such as Hunter, Lonely Planet, Fodor, Globe Pequot and Frommers. The library has standing orders for some annual travel guide series for popular travel destinations. Generally, only one copy of a book is purchased so that the library will have a wide spectrum of the world represented.
Retention & Weeding
Many works of history are classic titles and should be retained. Titles on popular history are weeded as demand decreases. Travel materials are generally retained for three to four years, except for travel/adventure memoirs that are retained as long as circulation statistics indicate an interest. Multiple copies, materials in poor condition, and superseded titles are weeded on a continuing basis. Public Library Catalog and Guide to Historical Literature may be consulted before withdrawing titles in this collection.
Books on CD
The spoken audio collection consists of fiction and nonfiction materials. The fiction collection includes contemporary and classic fiction. The nonfiction collection covers a wide range of subjects including computers, self-improvement, history, biography, literature, and foreign language. Currently, the library purchases only books in the CD format in the unabridged version. Changing technology is always a factor to be considered in the long-range development of the collection.
Influencing Factors
A large library audience exists for books on CD. Reviews from reputable sources, circulation statistics, and budget constraints play a large part in determining purchases. The library aims to have representative titles from as many authors as possible. When purchasing classics, the major works are emphasized. We have standing order plans with Books on Tape and Recorded Books. Standing order titles are supplemented with a wide selection of individual titles. Special attention is paid to the lecture series from Teaching Company due to the quality of the lectures and its popularity with the library patrons.
Selection Plan
Standard selection tools such as Audiofile, Kliatt, Booklist, Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly are used. Publisher catalogs from Blackstone, Brilliance, Teaching Company, Recorded Books, and Books on Tape are consulted along with foreign language catalogs. Bestsellers and popular fiction are often donated and added to our collection.
Retention & Weeding
Due to the high circulation of this collection, the library concentrates on weeding damaged items. Individual damaged CD’s are usually replaced when available, except for ephemeral titles, which are withdrawn. Books on tape with low circulation or in poor condition are withdrawn and replaced in the CD format whenever possible.
Biography
The biography collection consists of non-fiction materials about people from all walks of life and from the earliest times to the present. Autobiographies, memoirs, and letters are included in this collection. A few biographies, where the emphasis is not a person’s life but a subject, as in sports or health problems, may be placed in the subject collection rather than the biography area. Biographies of several unrelated persons in a single volume are placed in the 920s.
Influencing Factors
Biography appeals to many patrons, and the library's collection in this area strives to present a broad range of materials at varying levels of difficulty. The collection is used by patrons reading for pleasure and students studying for school assignments. The library is particularly careful to acquire materials where the subject is germane to the Philadelphia area.
Selection Plan
In addition to the standard review sources, publishers' catalogs are scanned and popular magazines and newspapers provide the selector with awareness and reviews of new titles. Biographies purchased by the library provide for an introduction to a person’s life rather than in-depth research study.
Retention & Weeding
Retention of titles is based on the importance of the subject. Popular biographies should be withdrawn if interest in that person has diminished and older biographies of important people should be replaced with new quality titles that will have enduring value. Sources such as Public Library Catalog are consulted before a title is withdrawn. Because of space limitations, this review and weeding process is to be done as often as possible.
Fiction
Classics, best sellers, books by critically acclaimed authors, and genre fiction make up the fiction collection. The purpose of the fiction collection is to satisfy the demand from recreational readers for new and popular titles and to meet the needs of more serious readers for literary fiction. Current best sellers are bought in multiple copies to satisfy demand. Emphasis is on American and English authors. Classic and popular current authors from other countries are included in English translation, but on a limited basis. Large print is a separate collection for the browsing convenience of library patrons. The large print collection is made up of primarily fiction and mystery books. A small nonfiction large print collection is also maintained. Graphic novels are also shelved with fiction.
Influencing Factors
Fiction circulates well in the Library's community. In addition to recreational reading, the needs of student populations in high schools, colleges, and continuing education programs influence the selection. Numerous adult book discussion groups in Abington and neighboring communities create demand for critically acclaimed writers, classic authors, and noted foreign authors. A heavy demand for popular authors dictates selection of bestsellers. Short stories generally appeal to a small audience; the selection of such titles are restricted to major authors or award-winning titles.
Selection Plan
Standard selection tools, such as Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal are used along with the weekly book sections of the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, and Washington Post. Publisher catalogs are also consulted. Popular best sellers are obtained in multiple copies to fill patron reserves. Rental copies of high demand titles are provided as an additional service to our patrons. Methods for determining the number of copies to order include number of copies to be printed, the promotional budget, author tours, and selection by book clubs or guilds. High demand titles are ordered as far ahead of publication as possible, often without the benefit of a review. The Fiction Author Standing Order program with Ingram, our book vendor, automatically provides us with pre-selected authors. Generally, only one copy is purchased of other titles. New translations of classics that receive critical acclaim are purchased.
Retention & Weeding
Literary classics, books by local authors, and well-recognized contemporary authors are kept. The Fiction catalog is consulted in determining what titles are retained. Older editions of classics are replaced with newer, more attractive volumes. Weeding of duplicate copies, books in poor condition, and ephemeral titles is done on an annual basis to maintain space for new books. Best sellers wear out rapidly because of high demand; they are repaired, replaced, or withdrawn depending upon circulation, significance, current popularity of the author, and availability. Donations are frequently used to replace worn, damaged books.
Films
The film collection consists of informational and entertainment materials in DVD format. It continues to grow in response to high community demand. It features a selection of feature films, including old classics, foreign films, and a limited number of current feature film titles. The emphasis will be on acquiring prize-winning films, e.g., Academy Award, Cannes and Sundance winners, foreign language films. Many HBO and PBS films and documentaries are purchased. Informational titles include such popular subjects as travel, sports, exercise, cooking, arts, home repair and documentaries. The collection is intended for home use only. The ultimate size of the collection will be determined by long-range decisions affecting shelving and storage space. Changing technology is always a factor to be considered in the long-range development of the collection.
Influencing Factors
The DVD collection exists to serve the general informational, educational, and recreational needs of our library patrons. Numerous local video rental stores supply recent releases of the most popular films, and it is not our intention to duplicate their services or collections. Appropriateness and expected long-term use and value to the collection are deciding factors in the selection of DVDs. Closed-captioned films are purchased whenever available to meet the Library’s commitment to serve the hearing-impaired.
Selection Plan
In addition to the standard selection tools, reviewing sources such as New York Times, Video Librarian and other newspaper and magazine reviews are consulted. Publishers’ catalogs, imdb.com and patron requests are also used to identify current high-interest releases and non-fiction films suitable for purchase. Preference is given to the purchase of new titles rather than replacements, but available titles still in high demand may be replaced.
Retention & Weeding
The DVD collection is rapidly growing. Weeding is done based on circulation counts and condition. Items with little or no circulation are regularly considered for withdrawal from the collection to make room for new titles. Weeding is an on-going process.
Large Print Collection
Each selector is responsible for maintaining Large Print materials in his/her area. The Large Print collection is made up of primarily fiction and mystery books. The Abington Free Library also maintains a small non-fiction large print collection.
Mystery
The mystery section includes a wide range of detective and mystery writers, with a heavy emphasis on the American and British mystery. Romantic suspense authors are generally classified in fiction unless their work has more of a mystery theme than a romance theme. The collection includes the representative works of important and popular authors.
Influencing Factors
Mystery readers have strong preferences for the various subtypes of the mystery genre, which include the whodunit, the hard-boiled private eye, the historical mystery, the psychological suspense, and the cozy mystery. A strong loyalty of mystery fans to specific detectives and to their series exists. Series are continued whenever possible.
Selection Plan
In addition to the standard selection tools, such as Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, the weekly book sections to the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, and Washington Post are used along with publisher catalogs. Special emphasis is given to collecting the works of important and popular authors.
Retention & Weeding
Weeding in the mystery collection is challenging because older authors have lasting interest for mystery fans. However, due to space considerations, weeding of extra copies, ephemeral titles, and books in poor condition are done yearly to maintain space for new books. Worn-out editions of popular titles are replaced. Titles by new authors and popular established authors are retained with the consultation of Fiction Catalog.
Science Fiction
Science fiction and fantasy, from classic to contemporary authors, comprise the SF collection. Science fiction readers are fascinated by accounts of futuristic developments and the many possible variations of society. Fantasy is a mixture of romance, historical fiction, magic, and fairy tales set in another world or time.
Influencing Factors
The science fiction collection has a select, but devoted, audience. Fantasy appeals to romance and historical fiction fans. Short stories in this genre are more popular with readers than in other areas of literature.
Selection Plan
In addition to the standard selection tools, such as Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal, the weekly book sections of the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, and Washington Post are used. Publisher catalogs are also consulted.
Retention & Weeding
Weeding in the science fiction/fantasy area is challenging because established authors remain popular and have loyal fans. Weeding of books in poor condition and ephemeral titles must be done yearly to maintain space for new titles. Series are maintained whenever possible. The collection will remain fairly stable in size due to space limitations and the small readership.
Sound Recordings
This collection includes CDs covering all varieties of music including popular (pop, R&B, rock and roll, country, jazz, world, new age, show tunes, rap) and classical (instrument, opera, vocalists and symphonic performances). The collection should be a balanced and representative collection of all types of classical and popular music. Materials will be purchased in CD format only. The ultimate size of the collection will be determined by long-range decisions affecting shelving and storage space. Changing technology is always a factor to be considered in the long-range development of the collection.
Influencing Factors
The collection should be varied and contain music that appeals to all tastes.
Selection Plan
Selection sources include Stereo Review, CD One Stop, Rolling Stone Magazine and standard selection tools, magazines and newspapers. Special publishers’ catalogs are also consulted. The music being played during the current Philadelphia Orchestra season and in live concerts is also considered as part of the selection plan.
Retention and Weeding
The CD collection will be weeded with condition and circulation statistics dictating whether or not to withdraw or replace a title. As the collection continues to grow, earlier performances may be replaced by CDs with higher ratings and demand.
Young Adult
The Young Adult collection is comprised of fiction, non-fiction, audio book and graphic novel titles selected specifically to meet the recreational and information needs of young adults. The fiction collection consists primarily of young adult novels and genre literature covering mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and romance. Fiction is a balance of paperback and hardback formats recognizing that each format meets various needs of young adults. The non-fiction collection provides information on high interest topics and homework support. Graphic novels are selected from the same fiction genre listed above, as well as from nonfiction works of interest to teens. Audio books will be purchased in CD format.
Influencing Factors
The problems, adventures, and topics of interest confronting teens on a daily basis are the factors to consider when selecting titles. Young adult current fiction should be purchased in hardback and paperback formats, with additional copies in paperback added for highly circulated titles. Popular series titles will continue to be included in the Young Adult collection and need to be periodically evaluated for use since they tend to be series inspired by popular television shows.
Selection Plan
The tools of selection for young adult fiction include Booklist, VOYA, KLIATT, Ingram Advance, and School Library Journal. Publishers’ catalogs, such as those from Bantam, Dell, Random House, and Fawcett are also used. Selection tools for graphic novels include Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, and titles displayed in local book stores. Attention is paid to award-winning and best titles for young adults published in VOYA and SLJ.
Selection tools for the audio book collection, in addition to the above, are Listening Library, Audiofile and Recorded Books catalogs.
Retention & Weeding
Due to space limitations and circulation statistics, only popular, circulating titles are retained. Weeding is continuous as new materials of current need and interest replace worn, outdated or seldom used titles. Sources such as Senior High School Catalog, Best Books for Young Adults, and other reliable sources may be checked before a specific title is withdrawn.
Weeding materials from the collection
The Abington Free Library uses the CREW (Continuous Review Evaluation and Weeding) Guidelines for weeding our collection. These are general guidelines that help determine a book’s usefulness in the collection based on publication date and circulation. The CREW formulas consists of three parts:
1.)
The first figure refers to the years since the book’s latest copyright date (age of the book)
2.)
The second figure refers to the maximum permissible time without usage (circ activity)
3.)
The third figure refers to the presence of various negative factors (called MUSTIE factors)
For example, the formula “8/3/MUSTIE” means: “Consider a book in this class for discard when its latest copyright is more that eight years ago; and/or when its last circulation or inhouse use was more than three years ago; and /or, when it possesses one or more of the MUSTIE factors.”
The CREW Guidelines also include the MUSTIE formula:
M Misleading
U Ugly
S Superseded
T Trivial
I Irrelevant
E Elsewhere (available from another library)
In all cases, each selector will use his/her judgment based on the needs of the library’s patrons. Each selector will evaluate the materials in his/her area using these guidelines in conjunction with the titles’ appearance in standard bibliographies. Older items may be repaired or rebound.
Satterthwaite 9/13/04
MCNPL:
The collection is maintained and weeded through an ongoing process of collection analysis. Older items may be repaired, withdrawn, moved to non-circulating collections, or replaced based upon the following criteria
·
Interests of the community
·
Patron demand
·
Availability of similar materials in the collection
·
Affordability
·
Physical condition and age of item
·
In-print status
·
Appearance in standard bibliographies
·
Availability at other local libraries
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Multiple copies of materials no longer in great demand
·
Replacement of materials is not automatic
The library will not withdraw an item simply because of a patron request.