When it comes to libraries, many decisions boil down to finances. Is there enough money in the budget to cover what is needed to keep the library well-maintained with current information sources? One of the librarian’s major responsibilities is keeping the collection current, and adequate funds are necessary to make this happen.
In the Collection Development course, the information I gathered about my own collection was revolutionary to me. I knew there were some weak areas that desperately needed improvement, but I did not have a sense of the big picture. The Collection Evaluation assignment required me to look at overall statistics and pinpoint areas that needed the most attention. I decided to focus on print materials only, and I did some major weeding before I tackled the assignment. The data I gathered fell into several categories which are spelled out in the Collection Overview Chart. For each Dewey Decimal Category, I listed the number of books, the average age of the books, their circulation rates and their percentage of the total collection. I was totally shocked at the results. I could not believe how weak the nonfiction sections were. For example, Science (500s) was only 8% of the collection and Geography and History (900s) was only 7%! I knew that these areas were outdated and in need of replacements, but I had no idea how dire the situation was. With the Common Core’s emphasis on nonfiction, I knew I had to do some major advocating for more money in my book budget.
In the rest of the report, we had to select a particular section to examine closely, and I chose Geography and History (900s). I gave a sampling of books that I had weeded (including some “golden oldies”), an analysis of each subsection of the 900s and how the books related to grade-level areas in our curriculum, and some specific recommendations of materials to add to the collection.
All of the new revelations I had come upon in this assignment revved me up for the report I wanted to submit to the administration. I knew it would not behoove me to come on too strongly and demand a large sum of money to fix the problems at a time when some budgets were being cut. I spoke to my department chair, and she agreed with a more gentle approach. I put the emphasis on the needs in the 900s section since I had very detailed data in that area. When I calculated what it would take to get us up to par in the 900s section over the next three years, the total came to $14,528! I decided to go for an increase that was more reasonable for my school--$1,000 each year over the next three years. I was proud to be able to advocate for my library with such a professional report. When the results came in, I was literally only half-pleased. The administration agreed to an increase of $500 a year over the next three years. This is nowhere near what is needed, but it is a start.
During the past year, I devoted a large percentage of my budget to purchasing new nonfiction books, and I plan to do the same in the years to come. I hope to do another report similar to this one at the end of next year (when new budget decisions are made) and focus on our need to be up-to-date with the Common Core standards. We have a new Lower School Head this year, and I hear she is already advocating for improvements in our division. I am hoping to get her on my side to help me advocate for more funds for the library collection.
In the Collection Development course, the information I gathered about my own collection was revolutionary to me. I knew there were some weak areas that desperately needed improvement, but I did not have a sense of the big picture. The Collection Evaluation assignment required me to look at overall statistics and pinpoint areas that needed the most attention. I decided to focus on print materials only, and I did some major weeding before I tackled the assignment. The data I gathered fell into several categories which are spelled out in the Collection Overview Chart. For each Dewey Decimal Category, I listed the number of books, the average age of the books, their circulation rates and their percentage of the total collection. I was totally shocked at the results. I could not believe how weak the nonfiction sections were. For example, Science (500s) was only 8% of the collection and Geography and History (900s) was only 7%! I knew that these areas were outdated and in need of replacements, but I had no idea how dire the situation was. With the Common Core’s emphasis on nonfiction, I knew I had to do some major advocating for more money in my book budget.
In the rest of the report, we had to select a particular section to examine closely, and I chose Geography and History (900s). I gave a sampling of books that I had weeded (including some “golden oldies”), an analysis of each subsection of the 900s and how the books related to grade-level areas in our curriculum, and some specific recommendations of materials to add to the collection.
All of the new revelations I had come upon in this assignment revved me up for the report I wanted to submit to the administration. I knew it would not behoove me to come on too strongly and demand a large sum of money to fix the problems at a time when some budgets were being cut. I spoke to my department chair, and she agreed with a more gentle approach. I put the emphasis on the needs in the 900s section since I had very detailed data in that area. When I calculated what it would take to get us up to par in the 900s section over the next three years, the total came to $14,528! I decided to go for an increase that was more reasonable for my school--$1,000 each year over the next three years. I was proud to be able to advocate for my library with such a professional report. When the results came in, I was literally only half-pleased. The administration agreed to an increase of $500 a year over the next three years. This is nowhere near what is needed, but it is a start.
During the past year, I devoted a large percentage of my budget to purchasing new nonfiction books, and I plan to do the same in the years to come. I hope to do another report similar to this one at the end of next year (when new budget decisions are made) and focus on our need to be up-to-date with the Common Core standards. We have a new Lower School Head this year, and I hear she is already advocating for improvements in our division. I am hoping to get her on my side to help me advocate for more funds for the library collection.