Stock Selection, Stock Management, and Reader Development POLICY 1. Stock Selection and Management Policy Stock, along with staff and buildings, is one of Essex County Council Libraries key assets and has a major role to play in helping to provide an excellent service. Stock is selected and managed on a countywide basis: Individual library collections try to reflect the needs of the local community as closely as possible, but the benefits of economies of scale available to a large authority are also exploited Staff at every level have a valuable role to play in the selection and management of stock to ensure the best experience for the customer and the most efficient use of resources Stock should be attractive, relevant and well displayed. Location of less popular/more expensive material is normally limited to larger libraries. Nevertheless, access is possible to all lending items on the Library Catalogue, via the request service, from any library Paperback books are preferred to hardback as they are more popular with most users, and provide better value for money. Hardbacks are still bought where they are the only format available for requested titles, and in anticipation of demand Hardback titles are also bought for non-fiction items where there is a considerable delay for the paperback version, or when it is unlikely that a title will ever appear in paperback Requested titles are bought according to a ratio of copies per hold which ensures that customers do not have to wait an unreasonable length of time Stock circulation is heavily used to maximize both reader choice and use of stock
Stock management data is used to inform the selection and management of material. Stock Management data includes the performance of an author s previous works, as well as earlier editions of the book in question. It includes issue figures for types of books e.g. fiction categories for individual libraries as well as county wide, and it includes stock turnover figures for the various categories of stock The primary purpose of most audiovisual collections is to generate a surplus of income over expenditure. For this reason, DVDs are not stocked in every library, but customers can still reserve them and have them sent to their local branch. The exception to the income generation rule is audiobook provision, as the majority of audio book customers are exempt from charges due to their difficulties in accessing printed sources Libraries are a key place for people to access reading in accessible formats and we aim to give customers as wide a choice as possible. We buy stock in Large Print, audio books on CD (and in some cases MP3 disc) and downloadable e-audio. To widen choice we also provide access to materials from other agencies, including the RNIB National Library Service Public Libraries under the Equality Act 2010 have a duty to promote equality and diversity. The range of stock we purchase should both reflect and celebrate our diverse community, and promote good relations across all equality areas including race, disability, gender, religion and sexual orientation Children s stock should be available in a wide range to ensure there are titles to appeal to children of all ages and abilities. Children s stock should be attractive and engaging to encourage children into reading at all ages 2. Reader Development Policy Reader Development is about helping people of all ages and abilities to enjoy reading and get the most out of it. Reading books, and talking about them, is something anyone can enjoy doing. As a library service we look to: Build confidence for non-readers and emerging readers to enjoy reading, and improve their literacy levels Ensure customers know about the range of resources for them to enjoy including different formats, authors, and subjects as well as how to access them Encourage customers to try different types of reading experiences 2
Give the reader a sense of satisfaction from the whole experience, from thinking about what to read to sharing their thoughts afterwards For children, it is especially important to ensure that books are available to appeal to every age, as well as every reading ability. It is also important to remember that every year a new group of children will be starting to visit the library, and discovering classic titles for the first time. Types of activity we undertake to support reader development: Putting together a great display Talking to customers about reading Working with partners such as Skills for Life tutors or Primary Care Trusts Having a well organised and suitable book stock Finding out what a customer already enjoys and making recommendations Directing customers to new reading ideas such as those on our website Organising author talks and readings Helping a customer set up or join a reading group Suggesting what a customer could read next Encouraging customers to share their thoughts on what they ve read Extra support for customers who may have difficulty browsing or choosing independently 3. Stock Selection and Management: Practice and Procedures Books what we stock Essex County Council is the provider of a major library service, provided through 73 static and 11 mobile libraries, ranging from the very small through to one of the busiest libraries in the UK. To maintain this service we aim to provide a comprehensive selection of material in both fiction and non-fiction. For fiction this encompasses new titles, classic and perennially popular titles, backlist titles and titles out of print. We stock popular bestsellers, minority interest titles and actively support new authors. We stock works in translation, books written in English but from other cultures, and provide books in their original languages where there is local need. For non-fiction this includes a full range of non-fiction up to but not necessarily including undergraduate level. It includes leisure reading, all sorts of practical guides, and titles to support both formal and informal learning. We stock books reflecting different political views and opinions, and different views on issues where there is current debate, such as climate change. The range of stock we provide should both reflect and celebrate the diversity of the population. 3
Books what we don t stock includes Coffee table and other gift books Books that involve some filling in Sudoku, check lists, etc Stapled or spiral bound books (with very occasional exceptions) Books that include clothing kits, cards, dice, etc, where they are essential to the use of the book Books that are used in conjunction with an online source where only the first borrower can register for this use Books cobbled together from Wikipedia and other free Internet sources Expensive Special editions Books that are aimed specifically at University students, unless there is some more general appeal to them Classroom teaching packs Adult Book Selection When making decisions about which books to buy, and in what quantities, there are a number of criteria to consider: Fiction Factors to consider include; the performance of previous titles by same author, the popularity of the genre, the scale of the promotional campaign, the rating from the supplier, and, to some extent, the price. Hardback fiction should only be bought when a waiting list is expected for the title. For new authors, little-known or less anticipated titles, the hardback would not be bought, and we would wait for the paperback edition to be released. Series of books are bought for the same libraries for consistency. The next book in the series will always be bought if the earlier books are issuing. However, books within a series can get moved or withdrawn over time leaving gaps. If staff notice a gap in a series they should inform the Stock Manager. A title s predicted popularity will influence how many copies to buy. Books likely to be very popular will be bought for every library. Other titles will be bought in smaller numbers and circulated around smaller libraries. Certain must-have titles will be bought in multiple copies for the largest libraries. At all times our stock should offer a great range of titles, whilst managing demand and ensuring the waiting lists for very popular titles are manageable. The influence of the media can lead to some exceptional titles experiencing extremely high demand. In these cases we will buy more copies than usual, to protect our reputation of providing access to the newest and most popular titles. Stock is bought in languages other than English. Material is provided in a range of languages where a need is identified. Non-Fiction Factors to consider include; the performance of previous titles in a series, the popularity of the subject, how specialist the material is, quality and appeal of the book, and, to some extent, the price. 4
Replacement Stock Purchase This is done in various ways New editions of an old item may turn up on the supplier s list Staff or customers may flag up gaps in our collections The Stock Manager looks systematically at areas where replacement stock purchase is required Children s Book Selection Aims and outcomes for children s book stock selection in Essex Libraries Children should have access to a wide range of books; both fiction and non fiction The books should be of high quality appearing up-to-date and inviting There should be books at a wide range of ability levels and interest ages so that every child can find the book that is right for them. This includes reluctant older readers, who should be able to find books that appeal to them and are at the right reading level, as well as competent younger readers who should be able to find books which stretch and challenge them Our book stock should reflect and celebrate our diverse community and children should be able to identify with depictions of children in the stories Our books should be available in quantities that mean children can have fast access to popular books soon after they are published Children should expect to find a selection of books by every well known modern children s author in all libraries, and there should be a small range of classic children s stories Books should support children s emotional and intellectual development There should be a balance of familiar, comforting books as well as books to challenge, excite and delight children Book Stock Selection Criteria Appearance Cover/ illustrations should be attractive, have immediate shelf appeal and look up to date Illustrations should be appropriate to the intended readership (particularly in terms of age of character and style of illustration) The typeface should be clear and of a size appropriate to the book and the literacy levels of the intended audience Illustrations should complement the text Illustrations should represent characters in an appropriate and respectful manner Popularity If the book is by a tried and tested author If the book is in a series of popular titles If the book is a film tie-in (but should have good quality illustrations) Books which are high profile and heavily promoted before publication 5
Style Books should be written in a style which is appropriate to the subject matter and will at once engage and widen the reader s appreciation of language Books should be well written and appropriate for the type of book e.g. a different style is anticipated for formula fiction than literary fiction, but each is valid Value should be placed on writing that encourages a child to take an imaginative view of the world In non-fiction, we expect to see indexes and contents pages to support children s study skills and other tools such as timelines, glossaries, bibliographies and web links Physical Books must be robust enough to withstand public library use sewn or glued bindings are preferable to stapled bindings Format 95% of children s book stock will be paperback, the exceptions are: Popular homework topics e.g. Tudors or Victorians New novels by significant authors are limited usually to one or two copies for our two flagship libraries. Highly desirable authors would be purchased much more widely, to fulfil waiting lists Picture books by popular authors or illustrators Fiction that has a high currency and are likely to be requested on publication New Young Readers Series often books in this series never appear in paperback If publishing of hardback and paperback is simultaneous, we will buy the paperback Replacement Stock Purchase Selecting Replacement stock Replacement of popular titles Ensuring we have copies of award winners Boosting collections in categories Supporting non-fiction demands Key anniversaries of popular titles What we don t buy Poor quality production Gimmick books Coffee table gift books Bind ups 3 books in one (because they don t last and are hard for children to use) Books with stickers to be stuck in or things that can be removed or books which invite children to write or draw in them Reading Scheme books unless one story in a scheme stands on its own as an excellent book 6
Books which are not an appropriate format for library use, for example miniature books that will get lost on shelves Alternative Formats Less than 7% of book titles published each year in the UK are produced in an alternative format to standard print. This means less choice for visually impaired people and other people unable to access print. We offer a range of reading choices in alternative formats for these customers and can also advise on other postal and e- services to widen choice as much as possible Audio Visual Selection Audio Books We buy almost all Audio CD books that are published, and have standing orders to buy copies of each title from the suppliers. Audio tapes are no longer purchased, as suppliers are reducing the number of titles they produce, or stopping altogether, and use by our customers is declining. We also buy MP3 disc audio books, which are available in Chelmsford and Colchester libraries. Unlike other Audio Visual items, Audiobooks are not expected to generate a surplus of income over expenditure, as they are mostly borrowed by customers exempt from charges. Instead, they are purchased to ensure we offer the best possible range of titles to customers with visual impairments or those who cannot access print. DVDs The purpose of providing access to DVDs is that of income generation. Some small libraries no longer have DVDs on display, as they were not achieving surplus income. However, as all the DVDs held by Essex Libraries are available to reserve from the library catalogue, all customers can borrow DVDs from any library. CDs As CD issues are in decline, mirroring the decline in CD sales, CDs are stocked in only 16 libraries, though as with DVDs they are available through the request system. We aim to provide a wide range of music, with the requirement to generate surplus income over expenditure. E-Book and E-Audio We work with a range of suppliers to ensure the best possible range of titles for customers. All e-book and e-audio content is available free of charge to Essex Libraries customers. There are now an increasing number of titles available for children and young adults, which is enabling us to increase our stock levels. The text on E-books can be resized making them more accessible to Visually Impaired People. 7
What we stock, and where Adult fiction Adult non-fiction Children s fiction Children s non fiction Adult Large Print Children s Large Print Giant Print Audio books on CD and cassette, Audio books on MP3 disc Children s audio books on CD Music CDs Adult and children s DVDs Language courses Asian language books Other language books Play sets Music score sets 3 libraries LHQ although cassettes are no longer bought Chelmsford and Colchester 8 libraries 16 libraries 49 libraries 27 libraries Chelmsford, Colchester, Basildon and Harlow Supplied on customer request Performing Arts, LHQ Performing Arts, LHQ What we don t stock but provide access to Braille books RNIB Talking Books Giant print books from RNIB Stock Management Programme We use an intelligent stock management tool that analyses stock usage. It is used to manage stock movement across the county. The Stock Management Programme uses borrowing data of individual stock items to identify how well they are performing in their current location, and if they are likely to perform better elsewhere. This programme increases efficiency of stock circulation, and is cost-effective, as it uses underperforming existing stock to fulfil needs in other branches. This reduces the need to buy additional copies of titles. Requests and Interlending Stock that is not available in Essex Libraries can be requested by customers. This can be done using an electronic form on the library website, or visiting a library and asking staff. Most items requested will either be bought, or borrowed from another library authority, but in some cases we will be unable to do either, and in a few cases we will decline to buy. Reasons for declining include all those listed in the Books - what we don t stock section, but will also include very expensive items. Almost all fiction requests are bought if in print. With non-fiction requests, if there is no likely audience for the item beyond the person making the request, the title will be passed to the Inter Library Loans team. They will then borrow the item from another authority, if possible. 8