The Weeding Handbook by Rebecca Vnuk

Author:Rebecca Vnuk [Vnuk, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LAN025000 Language Arts & Disciplines / Library & Information Science / General
ISBN: 9780838913628
Publisher: American Library Association
Published: 2015-05-14T04:00:00+00:00

Fiction

Classics of literature, popular best sellers, critically-acclaimed first time authors, and genre fiction (spy novels, gothics, romances, historical fiction, westerns) make up the fiction collection. Mysteries and science fiction, which includes fantasy, are separate collections for the browsing/reading convenience of Library patrons. The primary purpose of the fiction collection is to satisfy the heavy demand from recreational readers for popular, new titles. Current best sellers are bought in multiple copies to satisfy anticipated 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.

INFLUENCING FACTORS Fiction circulates well in the Library’s community. In addition to recreational reading, the needs of student populations in high schools, numerous community colleges, universities, and continuing education programs for returning older students influence selection of authors and titles. Numerous adult book discussion groups in Morton Grove and neighboring communities create demand for critically acclaimed writers, classic authors, and noted foreign authors. A ready audience and a heavy demand for popular authors dictate selection in the best-seller category. Short stories generally appeal to a small audience; the selection of such titles should be restricted to major authors or award-winning titles.

SELECTION PLAN In addition to standard selection tools, book sections from the Chicago newspapers, and patron demand heavily influence selection. Popular best sellers are obtained in multiple copies to fill patron reserves on a one book to five reserve basis. Generally, only one copy is purchased of other titles, depending on demand. Clues for determining the number of copies to order include how many copies are being printed, the promotional budget, author tours, and selection by book clubs or guilds. Titles are ordered as far ahead of publication as possible, often without the benefit of a review, knowing that there is a heavy demand for major authors.

RETENTION AND WEEDING Literary classics, regional authors, and well-recognized contemporary authors are retained, sometimes in duplicate, as fits demand. Weeding of duplicate copies, books in poor condition, and of ephemeral authors must be done on an annual basis to maintain space for new books. Best sellers wear out rapidly because of high demand; they are either repaired, replaced, or withdrawn depending upon circulation, significance and current popularity of the author, and/or availability. Donations frequently are used to replace worn, damaged best sellers.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN Very little retrospective development is needed, except for filling out the complete works of important and/or popular authors. An emphasis should be placed on replacing worn out editions of older, but important titles with new hardbound editions or new trade paperbacks so as to encourage patron use. New translations of classics that receive critical acclaim should be considered for purchase, or new editions purchased as needed to replace older versions that are worn, bound in library binding, or otherwise unappealing for patron use. The focus should be in having enough multiple copies of high demand books to satisfy patron requests as quickly as possible while maintaining collection depth by purchasing as broadly as possible.

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