collection metrics
DESCRIPTION
Program for the Arkansas Library Association, October 2012.TRANSCRIPT
Collection Metrics
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Making a Collection “Count”
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Title Data vs. Collection Data
• Title Data:– Tells us how each item is performing within
the defined group – Picture books, 500s, Large Print, etc.
• Collection data: – Overall performance of a collection– Usually driven by genre, format or
collection
Physical Inventory Helps Maintain a Quality
Collection
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Using Inventory Data• Audio Book Collection Results (1 Day’s Work)
– 5 missing items found– 1 item still checked out– 14 items cataloged as wrong format– 2 items not found (Stolen? Lost? Discarded?)– ~50 confirmed status/location
Error Rate: 4.4%Reclaimed items: 20 (~$65 each = about $1300 value)
Lost/stolen/missing:2 (about $130 value)Items confirmed: ~50 (about $3,250)
Collection Objectives
Is your collection doing the job it’s meant to do?
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Sample Objective:Audio Books
• Popular materials of current interest • Titles with limited shelf life given low priority • Consideration/comparison to statistics in
downloadable audios will also be investigated.• Other considerations for the collection:
– Classic fiction and nonfiction titles that coincide with local school and university curriculum objectives, foreign language instruction for both students and travelers
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Creating Benchmarks
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Circulation Benchmarksfor Audio Books
• Fiction Titles – 10-12 checkouts within 1 year of purchase
• Popular Non-Fiction– Bestsellers, self help, biography, etc.– 8-10 checkouts within a year of purchase
• Informational Non-Fiction– Language instruction, Shakespeare/Poetry, etc.– 3 checkouts within 1 year of purchase
ILS Reports• No circ prior to <date>• Publication date prior to <date>• Average age• Turnover rate• Items marked missing• Items “extremely overdue”• Circ by call number range• Highest circulating items• In-house use
Shelf Balancing
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Conclusion
A collection that counts:• …has a holistic view of library service• …embraces the collection life cycle• …requires hands-on interaction• …is reported, analyzed, and evaluated• …is used and appreciated
Holly Hibner and Mary [email protected]
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