The Library Collection and the Community: A Handbook for Small Public Libraries

Abstract

The process of selecting and maintaining the collection for the community consumes much of the staff's time in public libraries. Small libraries with fewer staff have less time for these activities. This handbook enables staff to use their time most efficiently while doing specific tasks; forms, checklists, and samples are used as guides. The main features of the Handbook are: 1) how to write a collection management plan using a fill-in-the-blank form with clear directions and a sample; 2) a checklist of community information sources; 3) guidelines for library surveys; 4) a quick technique for determining the median age of the collection; 5) list of collection development issues for a sample library; 6) easy-to-use weeding guidelines; 7) sample mission statements and collection policies from Colorado libraries; and 8) Internet policies and resource evaluation Web sites. This Handbook uses the collection management plan as the focus to assist small libraries in the work of continuing to create collections that match the needs and interests of the ever-changing communities. Written for libraries in Colorado, the Handbook supports library efforts to meet the Collection Standards section in the 1997 "Standards for Public Libraries in Colorado." Appendixes include: 1) sample collection management plan; 2) blank collection management plan form; 3) sample library surveys; 4) CREW weeding guidelines; 5) sample mission statements; 6) sample collection policies; and 7) sample internet policies. (AEF)