When selecting materials for acquisition into your collection what are a few things you should consider before purchasing them? Think about some of our class discussions as well as things you have read.
-If the material was in the best format, or if there was a better way to present, or find the information in the material. For example,an online database of controversial issues already exists for the high school levels, so a book of issues might be an unwise purchase.
-One might consider the availability of the material. An online encyclopedia can be accessed from home, so it might be a better purchase than a hard copy.
-Format and usability should be considered. Materials that are easier to use will be checked out more often.
-The school's curriculum should be considered as well. Any special focus should be complimented by the library's collection.
-Materials should be chosen that offer unbiased, non-stereotypical points if view.
I have to agree that when purchasing for your collection there is many things to keep in mind. Mrs. Bentheim does a great job of listing some things that are important to remember when puchasing for your collection. I feel it is very important to keep in mind that you have to make changes to your collection as the times change and materials change in our lives.
Here are some additional things to consider: *versatility of item *demographics of school & community *durability *space an item may take up *reviews of product *popularity (pop culture items) *assess needs of students/grade levels
Everyone has said great things so far. It is crucial to consider every aspect of your site. Depending on where you are located, you may need different materials to meet the needs of you patrons. I think that popularity and the durability are two major areas that librarians need to consider when ordering.
Things to consider when making purchases for the library should include:
*Demographics of students *Authority (reputable reviews) *cost *Accurate data (is it the most current?) *Longevity of an item (too trendy) *How does it lend itself to meet the curriculum?
In the coming years budget will be the number one factor in determining our library materials selection. With cost being such a key factor in the selection process, durability, longevity, and student interest will drive our materials selection.
Some of the factors to consider are: the transiency of the school, the demographics of the community, bilingual considerations, magazines and paperbacks, new technology equipment, and what type of reference resources would be most beneficial. My thoughts are: -Online reference materials are the only way to go. Buying a set of encyclopedias is a waste of money and space. Any topic or subject you want to search is accessible through the internet. -I like having magazines and paperbacks in the library. I remember when I was in jr. high school and looking at the 'Seventeen' magazine. I never had the money to purchase one, so I loved library time. In my library I would purchase 'SI for Kids' and 'American Girl'. -For older schools that don't have the latest technology built in, it's important to have DVD players,flip videos and Elmos for the teachers to check out. -It's also important to ask the faculty what their preferences are when purchasing new material. If someone asked for something, and my library didn't have it, I would make a note of it for my next purchase.
I like how Jennifer included the space of the item. Size is sometimes something that is not at the forefront of our minds until the item arrives and (oh no!) it doesn't fit, or keeps other materials from being displayed.
I am impressed with all of the responses you have made. It seems as though all of you have put a great amount of thought into the materials you will consider for your libraries. The criteria mentioned here are good to include in the collection development policy you are creating.
I agree with Vicki about the online sources. I think that since things in society change at such a rapid pace, it is our responsibility to supply online sources that are current. Although they may initially be costly, over time it will save money.
All points mentioned are very important and go along with everything we have discussed in class or have read.
Just to review the things I would also look at: * The School Demographics, Transiency, Community and Location (ie: Urban, Rural, Desert, Mountainous, local history and animals... Can't forget books on different languages and cultures...) *Versatility of item, durability, safety, space an item may take up, and collection and housing/shelving of the item *Reputable reviews of product, Popularity (pop culture items), and Longevity of an item. *Aesthetics and quality of the item. *Work with staff, students, and community to adequately service the needs of students/grade levels *COST *A plethora of online services, programs, educational games, and sources that are accurate, up to date and easily accessible and easy to navigate.
There is just so much to think about... It will always be a learning process. With a strong collaborative community working together, the library should be a wonderful place to learn and explore.
Wow! When I saw the responses I had to decide reading all comments first and then posting or typing a response, read the comments, edit my response, and then post. I chose the first option and is it ever difficult to expand the on the issue, as I see all comments collectively voicing any list I alone could not provide.
One thing that came to mind is that the majority of us will not open a school library, which comes with materials already chosen for us. (The word for this escapes me somehow.) Then with whatever budget we are given at the time. With the library budget being a precious commodity (not sure this is the best word choice), it is a shame that at times we are faced with a time limit in spending some funds.
At an older school we inherit whatever has been left behind from previous years. If weeding has not been well practiced, I imagine good amount of time would be dedicated to this task before spending many of the available funds. I would start immediately by noting requests for books and materials not currently in the collection. These requests would be noted if requested by teacher or student. I would also have a list of books, materials, and online sources that I have found to be beneficial. I would gradually check for these items and note if there is a need. I would look for gaps in the collection as I weeded it. This would provide a start as I gradually became familiar with the school community and the current library collection.
Hope I wasn't too redundant in any of my ramblings. If I'm feeling ambitious I'll print the comments posted and consolidate them in one text. I believe it'll be a real help when the time arrives.
I think what kids are checking out is paramount to your selection process. If you’ve been in a library for a while you’ll have informally gotten many requests that can drive your priority selections. Having a suggestion box or whiteboard for kids can be very helpful. I think it also helps to order quantities based on the demands. If there are specific books or series that are commonly requested, I’d try to order multiple copies based on best judgment. I’d rather have 5 paperbacks that will be beat up in a year or two that I can replace, than one hardbound copy that everyone is clamoring for. Along with this, I’d try to fill holes in popular series and seemingly favored authors.
In terms of non-fiction, I’d try to base selections again on requests, but also by who is making the requests. If a subject were highly coveted by children in the lower grades, I’d try to target books with an easier readability. Again a variety and quantity will help for those readers that get “consumed” by a topic.
Circulation statistic can be helpful too. Which books and topic that appear to never stay long on the shelves are ones to target for more copies. It can also dissuade you from getting more of something that you thought was more popular than it really is.
Teachers play a big part in the selection process. Sometimes just throwing out an email may not be enough. Teachers are so busy that they may not be ready to respond. Having a forum on Interact or a suggestion poster in the lounge may help, especially for those that develop units throughout the year and may not have thought of their needs when initially contacted. Attending team level meetings or just asking teachers when they come to pick up their kids may help too. One caveat is that the purchasing budget may be limited. Making the teachers aware from the beginning that you will take their considerations into account, but may not be able to meet their needs that year, may stem some hurt feelings if you get a lot of requests. Yet helping them out as much as possible can garner goodwill and help with support in the future.
There are a variety of things to consider--and this list is by no means inclusive:
ReplyDelete-the community of your school
-budget
-quality
-content (no high school books in elementary)
-well-rounded collection
-student interest
-teacher needs
Just a couple things to get the conversation going. What do you all think?
I would consider also:
ReplyDelete-If the material was in the best format, or if there was a better way to present, or find the information in the material. For example,an online database of controversial issues already exists for the high school levels, so a book of issues might be an unwise purchase.
-One might consider the availability of the material. An online encyclopedia can be accessed from home, so it might be a better purchase than a hard copy.
-Format and usability should be considered. Materials that are easier to use will be checked out more often.
-The school's curriculum should be considered as well. Any special focus should be complimented by the library's collection.
-Materials should be chosen that offer unbiased, non-stereotypical points if view.
I have to agree that when purchasing for your collection there is many things to keep in mind. Mrs. Bentheim does a great job of listing some things that are important to remember when puchasing for your collection. I feel it is very important to keep in mind that you have to make changes to your collection as the times change and materials change in our lives.
ReplyDeleteHere are some additional things to consider:
ReplyDelete*versatility of item
*demographics of school & community
*durability
*space an item may take up
*reviews of product
*popularity (pop culture items)
*assess needs of students/grade levels
Everyone has said great things so far. It is crucial to consider every aspect of your site. Depending on where you are located, you may need different materials to meet the needs of you patrons. I think that popularity and the durability are two major areas that librarians need to consider when ordering.
ReplyDeleteThings to consider when making purchases for the library should include:
ReplyDelete*Demographics of students
*Authority (reputable reviews)
*cost
*Accurate data (is it the most current?)
*Longevity of an item (too trendy)
*How does it lend itself to meet the curriculum?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn the coming years budget will be the number one factor in determining our library materials selection. With cost being such a key factor in the selection process, durability, longevity, and student interest will drive our materials selection.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSome of the factors to consider are:
ReplyDeletethe transiency of the school, the demographics of the community, bilingual considerations, magazines and paperbacks, new technology equipment, and what type of reference resources would be most beneficial.
My thoughts are:
-Online reference materials are the only way to go. Buying a set of encyclopedias is a waste of money and space. Any topic or subject you want to search is accessible through the internet.
-I like having magazines and paperbacks in the library. I remember when I was in jr. high school and looking at the 'Seventeen' magazine.
I never had the money to purchase one, so I loved library time. In my library I would purchase 'SI for Kids' and 'American Girl'.
-For older schools that don't have the latest technology built in, it's important to have DVD players,flip videos and Elmos for the teachers to check out.
-It's also important to ask the faculty what their preferences are when purchasing new material. If someone asked for something, and my library didn't have it, I would make a note of it for my next purchase.
I like how Jennifer included the space of the item. Size is sometimes something that is not at the forefront of our minds until the item arrives and (oh no!) it doesn't fit, or keeps other materials from being displayed.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed with all of the responses you have made. It seems as though all of you have put a great amount of thought into the materials you will consider for your libraries. The criteria mentioned here are good to include in the collection development policy you are creating.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Vicki about the online sources. I think that since things in society change at such a rapid pace, it is our responsibility to supply online sources that are current. Although they may initially be costly, over time it will save money.
ReplyDeleteAll points mentioned are very important and go along with everything we have discussed in class or have read.
ReplyDeleteJust to review the things I would also look at:
* The School Demographics, Transiency, Community and Location (ie: Urban, Rural, Desert, Mountainous, local history and animals... Can't forget books on different languages and cultures...)
*Versatility of item, durability, safety, space an item may take up, and collection and housing/shelving of the item
*Reputable reviews of product, Popularity (pop culture items), and Longevity of an item.
*Aesthetics and quality of the item.
*Work with staff, students, and community to adequately service the needs of students/grade levels
*COST
*A plethora of online services, programs, educational games, and sources that are accurate, up to date and easily accessible and easy to navigate.
There is just so much to think about... It will always be a learning process. With a strong collaborative community working together, the library should be a wonderful place to learn and explore.
Wow! When I saw the responses I had to decide reading all comments first and then posting or typing a response, read the comments, edit my response, and then post. I chose the first option and is it ever difficult to expand the on the issue, as I see all comments collectively voicing any list I alone could not provide.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that came to mind is that the majority of us will not open a school library, which comes with materials already chosen for us. (The word for this escapes me somehow.) Then with whatever budget we are given at the time. With the library budget being a precious commodity (not sure this is the best word choice), it is a shame that at times we are faced with a time limit in spending some funds.
At an older school we inherit whatever has been left behind from previous years. If weeding has not been well practiced, I imagine good amount of time would be dedicated to this task before spending many of the available funds. I would start immediately by noting requests for books and materials not currently in the collection. These requests would be noted if requested by teacher or student. I would also have a list of books, materials, and online sources that I have found to be beneficial. I would gradually check for these items and note if there is a need. I would look for gaps in the collection as I weeded it. This would provide a start as I gradually became familiar with the school community and the current library collection.
Hope I wasn't too redundant in any of my ramblings. If I'm feeling ambitious I'll print the comments posted and consolidate them in one text. I believe it'll be a real help when the time arrives.
Linda
I think what kids are checking out is paramount to your selection process. If you’ve been in a library for a while you’ll have informally gotten many requests that can drive your priority selections. Having a suggestion box or whiteboard for kids can be very helpful. I think it also helps to order quantities based on the demands. If there are specific books or series that are commonly requested, I’d try to order multiple copies based on best judgment. I’d rather have 5 paperbacks that will be beat up in a year or two that I can replace, than one hardbound copy that everyone is clamoring for. Along with this, I’d try to fill holes in popular series and seemingly favored authors.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of non-fiction, I’d try to base selections again on requests, but also by who is making the requests. If a subject were highly coveted by children in the lower grades, I’d try to target books with an easier readability. Again a variety and quantity will help for those readers that get “consumed” by a topic.
Circulation statistic can be helpful too. Which books and topic that appear to never stay long on the shelves are ones to target for more copies. It can also dissuade you from getting more of something that you thought was more popular than it really is.
Teachers play a big part in the selection process. Sometimes just throwing out an email may not be enough. Teachers are so busy that they may not be ready to respond. Having a forum on Interact or a suggestion poster in the lounge may help, especially for those that develop units throughout the year and may not have thought of their needs when initially contacted. Attending team level meetings or just asking teachers when they come to pick up their kids may help too. One caveat is that the purchasing budget may be limited. Making the teachers aware from the beginning that you will take their considerations into account, but may not be able to meet their needs that year, may stem some hurt feelings if you get a lot of requests. Yet helping them out as much as possible can garner goodwill and help with support in the future.