how to revitalize little used collections
Interesting thread from the AACL Listserv:
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Hi AACLers:
It's August so that means that the lazy crazy days of summer will soon be over and we have to actually do some serious work! In preparation I am wondering if any of you have had success with getting students to use some of the collections of materials that used to be more popular in the pre-Google and pre-downloading days: pamphlet files, CD music collections, maps. We still have all three and would rather have them used than throw them away. But maybe we just need to bite the bullet and get rid of them? If you have any suggestions please let me know.
Thanks - hope you have had/are continuing to have a great summer,
Keith
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RE: how to revitalize little used collections?
Hello Keith,
As per Dan's message, we here at Portage College removed our Vertical Files completely two years ago. We sent a message to all staff to encourage them to take what they wanted from the collection but had no bites.
The Atlas/Map cabinet is currently used only by students who need something to lean on.
As for the Reference section--it's just a stop on my Library tours. We have a couple of things in Ref. that are heavily used--the OED, believe-it-or-not, and the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties by the EMT and Paramedic students. To our knowledge, the encyclopedia sets have not been used for about two years. I echo Dan's sentiments about Google!
On the flip side, the Head Count and the database usage stats in our Information Commons have more than doubled in the same period of time. In fact, usage is heavy enough to warrant an expansion of the area. I almost hate to put this in print, but I have been considering REMOVING some shelving and books in order to make more room for computer work stations--I never thought it would come to this! However, that is a "galaxy far, far away."
Bye for now ~ Barbara
RE: how to revitalize little used collections?
Hello Keith, Dan and others
We have always had our CDs (mostly music) in separate cabinet next to the media collection on the main floor where the videos and DVDs are interfiled. This has worked well for us. Our maps are still in a heap somewhere awaiting cataloguing (in the hopes they'll soon be obsolete).
But the whole issue of non-use of print collections is huge! Not only expensive classic reference sources, but the main book collection as well. Over the last few years we have seen a steady, slight decline in direct circulation stats. I would be very interested to know whether other libraries are seeing this as well? And at the same time, the database use stats continue to rise significantly. Now with all the Lois Hole resources that will soon be available, these trends are sure to continue. So at some point we need to ask hard questions about the way we are spending our collections dollars. Knowing full well that dollars shifted away from print will impact tech staffing (probably small libraries will be the first to face this as well).
No doubt, the way information is accessed is changing right before our eyes. How to plan in such an environment? That's the question I have.
Joyce
RE: how to revitalize little used collections?
Hi Keith,
Here at Concordia we tried to improve usage of maps by bringing the map cabinet from it's hidden alcove on the 2nd floor down to the main floor near the oversized atlas shelving (next to the reference collection).
Perhaps you already have this kind of logical layout in your library - it helps people make the leap from the use of an atlas to a more detailed map from the cabinet (sometimes). At least I have seen a map out on the table nearby once or twice since the move.
As for CDs, we interfile them with other media (DVDs and VHS) which is a bit of an obstacle to browsing. We are considering a stand-alone shelving unit (you know, the Brodart drawer-type units) to house just the CDs, and to move the unit near the front entrance so people see it out there. Hopefully this might boost the use. I'm curious to hear what others have done before we spend the big bucks on the Brodart units.
As for pamphlets, we used to have a vertical file but tossed almost the entire collection once it dawned on us that it was never used. I guess you could say Google killed our vertical file.
I'm also curious to know people's perception of how much use their reference collection is getting. I think Google and Wikipedia are slowing killing our reference collection too... makes me nervous about the money we spend on new editions of classic reference sets.
Anyway, just a few thoughts. I hope this helps a little.
Cheers!
Dan