The full document is available online at www.lagrangelibrary.org/lagrange/documents/collectiondevelopmentplan2012.pdf.
THE VILLAGE OF LA GRANGE has a population of 15,550 people (2010 census) and the library serves a fairly affluent community. Their plan document states
As a public library, our overall goal is to offer a collection that provides general support for the interests of our community. We participate in a consortium of eighty nearby public, academic, and special libraries, which provides our patrons easy access to over seven million items. Therefore, our local collection is focused on meeting the needs of the La Grange community. We primarily support the recreational and informational needs of our patrons. In fiction, this means a high-interest collection from a variety of genres, with broad coverage where interest demands. In nonfiction, we provide general information on a wide variety of subjects, with higher emphasis placed on topics of local interest.
Our secondary objective is to provide educational support to students in local public, private, and parochial schools. Because our area schools have well-supported school libraries, we do not act in lieu of the school library, but we do work with the schools to provide some homework support materials to supplement the local school collections.
Their plan is broken out by Dewey area, and each area includes details on how often a section should be weeded, along with general criteria. It is notable that the plan utilizes numerical formulas showing the average age of materials and usage of specific collection areas. It is also incredibly thorough, covering each section of the collection by item type, in great detail.
The Adult Collection sections are shown here.
• This section includes books on computer instruction, the history of print and broadcast journalism, biographies of journalists and broadcasters, trivia, and UFOs and other unexplained phenomena.
• The collection is for a general adult audience, as well as for high school students.
In this section, we intend to keep a current and wide-ranging collection of computer instruction books, from patrons learning basic computer skills, to those needing more advanced application programs.
• The most recent editions of computer instruction books are purchased to keep the collection current.
• Books by popular broadcasters and journalists are purchased.
• Computer instruction books are weeded whenever a new edition becomes available.
• For other areas of this section, if a book has not circulated in 5 years, it becomes a candidate for withdrawal.
• Circulation statistics and turnover favor maintaining the overall size of the collection.
|
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
1.04 |
56% |
7 |
1.7 |
• This section covers popular psychology, paranormal psychology, and philosophy.
• The collection is for a general adult audience, as well as for high school students.
In this section, we intend to keep a current collection of books that give people guidance on how to effectively cope with grief, stress, anxiety, and other interpersonal issues.
• We purchase books by popular authors in the self-help area of psychology, because these authors may have popular television or radio programs, so they normally have many fans who will also read their books.
• Paranormal psychology includes books on astrology, ghosts, witchcraft, and dream interpretations, so it needs to stay current with the latest available information.
• Philosophy books need to take into account both Eastern and Western theories, from ancient times right on through to the present.
• Books in the self-help area of psychology should not be kept for more than 5 years, because new books are constantly being published in this area with new information, and new approaches to solving problems.
• Paranormal psychology books older than 5 years need to be weeded, unless we own classics in the field that need to be retained. Such titles can be replaced with reprints if older copies are badly worn or damaged.
• Classic works of philosophy should always be present in the collection, and only be replaced with reprints, if they are in poor condition.
• Circulation statistics and turnover favor maintaining the overall size of the collection.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
1.09 |
61% |
8.8 |
2.0 |
The religion collection refers to all books with religion as the focus. The collection is for a general adult audience as well as high school students.
In this section, we focus on Christianity, as the majority of the La Grange population identify themselves as Christian. We also attempt to keep myth and religious origin books on all major religions and regions of the world. The eastern religion books have also proven to be quite popular, particularly those written by or about the Dalai Lama.
• High circulating subjects include Greek mythology and the history of Christianity.
• The major world religions of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Taoism should be well-represented.
• Weed religious titles after ten years, or three years without circulating.
• Retain classic titles on the history of major world religions, and books written by religious leaders.
• Based on the 2010 circulation report, this collection should remain at its current size.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.94 |
58% |
8 |
1.6 |
This section includes books on sociology, statistics and political science.
In this section, we focus on popular titles in social issues and political science, and local and national statistics.
• Sociology (300–310)—Personal memoirs in this area are popular. The highest circulating subjects are adolescence, sexuality (including marriage and divorce), and cultural studies on African-Americans and women. Cultural studies from the Chicago area, especially civil rights, are popular.
• Statistics (310–319)—This collection is minimal and only includes updates to basic information. Include books on Illinois and national statistics, such as circulating almanacs.
• Political Science (320–329)—Best sellers in this area are popular. Be aware of staying even with left, right, Republican, and Democratic viewpoints; also look for well-reviewed books so the facts in the “party” books are accurate.
• Sociology (300–310)—Weed these titles after five years, or two years without circulating.
• Statistics (310–319)—Retain only the most current local and national statistics, and replace with a superseded edition when available, such as a new census.
• Political Science (320–329)—Weed political science titles after five years, or three years without circulating. Retain classic titles on the Constitution and political history. Review existing titles for outdated information, such as regional name changes.
• As more data become available online, re-assess the need to retain print titles in statistics.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.72 |
42% |
7.8 |
1.3 |
• This section covers economic history, personal finance, real estate, legal self-help, and military biographies.
• The collection is for a general adult audience, as well as high school students.
In this section, we intend on keeping a current collection on practical and sound investment philosophies by both popular and well-respected authors. It is also important to have legal self-help books by experts within specific fields of law. Biographies and memoirs of well-known generals and military officers give insight into battle preparation and the bravery and sacrifices made by soldiers within their units.
• Books on economic crises and corporate histories are popular.
• The latest books with new strategies on building personal wealth are sought out.
• Legal self-help books must keep up with changes in laws.
• Memoirs and biographies of popular military officials are purchased.
• Books in this section are weeded if they have not circulated in the last 5 years. Exceptions to this include books that are deemed “classics” in their field. Such books are replaced if there is an updated edition, or the particular copy on shelf is very worn or has physical damage to it.
• Books with new information that is more comprehensive and accurate on topics in this section will replace older titles that are lacking in accuracy, comprehensiveness, and new information.
• Circulation statistics and turnover favor maintaining the overall size of this collection.
|
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
0.81 |
52% |
7.0 |
1.5 |
This section consists of titles on social services, criminology, education, commerce, communication and transportation.
In this section, we focus on current social issues, including crime. The education section and transportation section are limited to titles of local interest.
• Social Problems and Services (360–369, excluding 364)—Books geared toward students doing reports on social issues need to be kept very current.
• True Crime (364)—This is an area of extremely high interest, particularly gangsters and any crime in the Chicago area.
• Education (370)—Textbooks are extremely popular. We usually keep the two most recent editions of books published annually. Books concerning public education and how to get scholarships/into college are also popular.
• Commerce, Communications, and Transportation (380–389)—Only well-reviewed titles are added due to lack of interest. Railroads and train transportation is very popular, especially any title related to Chicago railways. Guides to stamp values are also extremely popular and should be kept very current.
• True Crime (364)—Retain historical studies of true crime, especially in the Chicago area.
• Education (370)—Weed titles after ten years, or three years without circulating. Replace test guides with the superseded edition when available.
• Based on the 2010 circulation report, this collection should remain at its current size.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.94 |
52% |
7.6 |
1.7 |
This section includes books on historical and ethnic costumes, tattoos and tattooing, American holidays, and urban folklore. Etiquette books, particularly business etiquette books involving practices in other countries and cultures, as well as titles on wedding planning are also in this section.
This collection contains popular works intended for a general audience. Books about costumes, fashion history, and standard works of folklore don’t date as quickly as books on business etiquette and wedding planning. Holiday-specific books may only circulate once or twice a year.
• Emphasis should be on keeping the collection current and relevant to the interest and needs of the community.
• Be aware that materials date rapidly in business etiquette and wedding planning, so updated editions should be purchased rather than adding replacement copies.
• Condition, usage statistics, and currency of information should be taken into consideration; however, seasonal items may only circulate once a year.
• Based on the 2010 circulation report, this collection should be re-assessed for weeding, as relative use is low.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.85 |
57% |
7.9 |
1.6 |
This section includes titles on learning languages, the philosophy and theory of languages, and dictionaries and translations. The collection is for a general adult audience.
In this section, we focus on modern European languages. All major languages should have some representation.
• Learning a language and English/foreign language dictionaries are popular (especially Spanish, French, German, and Polish). Narratives about word and cliché origins are also well used.
• Items on grammar and linguistics are not as popular.
• Language titles should be discarded after ten years, or three years without circulating.
• Replace dictionaries for modern European languages when a new edition is available.
• Based on the 2010 circulation statistics, this collection should remain at its current size. We should expand the selection of workbooks for adults who are learning to read.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
1.00 |
62% |
6.7 |
1.3 |
This core collection covers the history of science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, and chemistry.
In this section, the Library intends to keep a core collection of books relating to the history of science, the various disciplines of mathematics, and current books on astronomy, physics, and chemistry. As new discoveries are constant in astronomy, physics, and chemistry, only up-to-date books should be retained. Biographies of researchers in these disciplines should be retained for student projects.
• Preference is given to starred reviews. Other titles should be strongly considered as there are few titles for the general reader published in these disciplines.
• Donations of recent (three years old or less) textbooks should be highly encouraged for all of the areas within this section.
• General science and the history of science should be weeded using circulation statistics.
• A core collection in the various disciplines of mathematics should be retained. Look for newer replacements for titles that are five years old or older.
• Currency is very important in the fields of astronomy, physics, and chemistry. Books that are five years old, or older, should be considered for weeding. If there is no replacement title, check the content of the book and make sure that the information is still up-to-date and meets current theories in the field.
• Textbooks three years old, or older, should be considered for weeding.
• This section should maintain its size as a core collection.
• If relative usage in this section increases then secondary (non-starred reviews, more narrowly focused or esoteric titles) titles can be considered for the areas of greater patron interest.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.87 |
54% |
7.4 |
1.6 |
This core collection covers the natural sciences dealing with the Earth, its history and biology, and its plants and animals.
In this section, the Library intends to keep a core collection of books relating to natural history. As new discoveries are constant in paleontology and biology, only up-to-date books should be retained. Older books dealing with the species and natural history of plants and animals are often still useful, but should be reviewed every few years. Biographies of researchers in these disciplines should be retained for student projects.
• Preference is given to starred reviews. Books about animals are popular in this community.
• Donations of recent (three years old or less) textbooks should be highly encouraged for all of the areas within this section.
• A core collection in all of the areas should be retained. Field guides are an integral part of the core collection, but look for newer replacements for titles that are five years old or older.
• Currency is very important in the fields of paleontology and biology. Books that are five years old, or older, should be considered for weeding. If there is no replacement title, check the content of the book and make sure that the information is still up-to-date and meets current theories in the field.
• Textbooks three years old, or older, should be considered for weeding.
• This section should maintain its size as a core collection.
• If relative usage in this section increases, then secondary titles (non-starred reviews, more narrowly focused or esoteric titles) can be considered for areas of greater patron interest.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.59 |
43% |
8 |
1.2 |
This collection includes all aspects of medical and health information including human anatomy and physiology; diseases and treatments; nutrition, diet, and exercise; women’s health and pregnancy; and childhood diseases and syndromes. Test books with practice exams for nursing students at all levels are also in this section.
Because this collection is primarily for lay people, families, and caregivers, most selections are aimed at the general consumer. Emphasis should be on keeping the collection current and relevant to the interest and needs of the community. The popularity of specific diets often drops quickly, so diet books should be replaced frequently.
• Currency, accuracy, and readability of materials should be considered along with a balance of alternative and traditional treatments.
• Materials date rapidly in medicine and health, so updated titles should be purchased rather than adding replacement copies.
• Anatomy and physiology guides should be heavily illustrated in color.
• Aggressive weeding should be done on an ongoing basis, as dated medical information can be dangerous.
• Primary consideration should be in keeping the collection current.
• Based on the 2010 circulation report, this collection should remain at its current size.
• Books in medicine and health will always be in demand as the percentage of Baby Boomers increases.
This collection includes books on electronics and electronic fundamentals, popular information on wiring, and small engine repair. This section also includes Rules of the Road manuals.
In electronics repair, consideration should be given to the popularity of the device. Car repair books are no longer purchased since patrons have access to the Chilton Auto Repair database.
• Select books with clear, color photographs, and precise, easy-to-follow instructions.
• Rules of the Road manuals in English, Spanish, and Polish should be updated annually.
• Primary consideration is keeping the collection current.
• Car repair books (particularly Chilton) should be weeded since patrons have access to the Chilton Auto Repair database.
• Based on the 2010 circulation report, this collection should remain at its current size.
|
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
1.16 |
59% |
7 |
1.8 |
• This section covers agriculture and its related technologies, including horticulture and animal husbandry.
• This is a heavily-used area with both core titles and more ephemeral (trendy or fashionable pets and gardening techniques) titles.
In this section, the Library intends to keep a core collection of books relating to general agricultural topics. It encompasses two areas popular with La Grange patrons—gardening and pets—and should be kept current with trends in horticultural techniques, species and types of garden plants, and species and breeds of pets.
• The La Grange Garden Club is a very active community group, so keeping a broad collection in all branches of horticulture is recommended.
• Refer to the American Kennel Club’s list of top breeds to help in selecting breed-specific dog books.
• A core collection of general gardening books should be retained. Update older editions of classic works, where possible, and look for newer replacements if a title goes out of print.
• An attempt should be made to retain books about specific species and families of plants.
• Books on dog training should cover the different approaches to training and not just focus on currently popular authors.
• An attempt should be made to retain at least one book each about the less common, smaller pet species.
• This section should maintain its size as relative use is equal to 1.00.
|
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
0.99 |
57% |
8.2 |
2.2 |
This collection consists of general and specialized cookbooks including ethnic, seasonal, holiday, and diet-based titles, as well as books by popular chefs. This section also includes books on kitchen and bathroom remodeling. Sewing, fashion and beauty, and titles on starting a food-related business are also in this call number area.
This collection is aimed at the general reader and consumer. All types of cookbooks are popular and circulate frequently. Books on kitchen and bathroom remodeling are aimed at DIYs.
• Patron interest and demand influence purchasing as tastes, decorating styles, and fashion constantly evolve.
• Books on kitchen and bathroom remodeling should be highly readable with clear directions and color photographs.
• The J/Parent-Teacher Section in Youth Services serves the parenting/childcare community, so collecting for the 649 section has decreased.
• Since new cookbooks are added on a regular basis, aggressive weeding should be done to avoid overcrowding.
• Styles date quickly both in fashion and grooming.
• Based on the 2010 circulation report, more titles should be purchased.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
1.49 |
72% |
7.3 |
2.3 |
• This section includes books on job hunting, starting a small business, management, marketing, advertising, and do-it-yourself home improvements.
• The collection is for a general adult audience, as well as high school students.
In this section, the Library intends on keeping a current and updated collection of job hunting books, starting a small business, and do-it-yourself home improvements. These would include new editions of resume writing books, books on home-based businesses, and the latest methods and techniques in home improvement.
• Books that include the latest information on online job searching, social networks, and posting resumes and cover letters electronically are important to add to the collection.
• Finding books on starting a home-based business, that may include forming your own website to do business online, is something to consider.
• Magazines on home improvement and woodworking may have reviews of the latest books that incorporate the newest materials and techniques.
• Books in this section are weeded if they have not circulated in the last 5 years, and damaged books are withdrawn or replaced with a new copy of the same edition or replaced with a newer edition, if one is available.
• Older editions of books in this area are replaced with newer editions, as soon as they become available.
• Based on factors such as relative use, active use, and turnover, this section should maintain its overall size in these subjects.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
1.03 |
62% |
7.6 |
1.8 |
This section covers general books about art and art history, civic and landscape art (including landscaping as a profession), and architecture.
In this section, the Library intends to keep a core collection of books relating to general topics about art, landscaping, and architecture. Due to the La Grange Historic District and La Grange’s proximity to the large number of Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park, books on architecture are popular with our patrons.
• Books on historic architecture (particularly Victorian) and restoration of older houses are especially in demand.
• A core collection of general books about art history should be retained. Update older editions of classic works, where possible, and look for newer replacements if a title goes out of print.
• An attempt should be made to retain books about specific styles of architecture.
• Books about Frank Lloyd Wright should be retained unless space considerations merit weeding.
• This section should maintain its size as a core collection.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.77 |
54% |
9.2 |
1.9 |
This collection consists of instruction guides on drawing and painting, craft how-to books, titles on interior design and home decorating, painters and paintings, and photography.
This collection contains popular works aimed at the nonprofessional and hobby enthusiast. Information on collectibles and traditional antiques is still of interest, but price guides have decreased in popularity due to easy access of information on the Internet. Knitting still continues to be very popular. Information concerning art and artists is stable and not time-dateable. Since books in the fine and decorative arts tend to be expensive, consumers rely heavily on the Library’s collection.
• Books on painters and painting should be illustrated in color and have good quality graphics.
• Select craft how-to books with clear, color photographs, and easy-to-follow instructions.
• Instruction books in photography should reflect the rapid changes in technology.
• Art books that are worn or have torn-out pages should be weeded or replaced.
• Craft books tend to be in paperback, so condition is a strong factor when weeding.
• Based on the 2010 circulation report, this collection should remain at its current size.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
1.16 |
63% |
7.9 |
2.1 |
• This section includes biographies of popular singers and musicians, as well as books on the history of popular and classical music. It also includes biographies of popular and influential actors and directors, as well as books on the history of film and television. Besides this, there are also biographies of popular athletes from different sports, as well as sports histories.
• The collection is for a general adult audience, as well as for high school students.
In this section, we intend on keeping a collection of biographies of recent popular and critically acclaimed singers and musicians, as well as ones from earlier eras. Biographies of popular and critically acclaimed actors and directors that are currently working in film and television, as well as actors and directors from the golden years of film and television are also acquired. This section should also have a solid collection of sports biographies of current, popular athletes, as well as famous athletes from earlier times.
• We purchase well-written and comprehensive biographies of singers, musicians, actors, and directors that are current or from the past, and have a sizable body of work.
• We also purchase well-written sports biographies, and memoirs of popular athletes. Biographies of star players from local, professional teams are given top consideration, as well as local, professional sports team histories.
• Books in this section are weeded if they have not circulated in the last five years. Exceptions to this include books that are deemed to be “classics” in their field. Such books are replaced if there is an updated edition, or the particular copy on shelf is very worn or has physical damage to it.
• Baseball card price guides need to be current, as do books on sports teams that emphasize current player rosters.
• Circulation statistics and turnover favor maintaining the overall size of this collection.
|
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
0.74 |
48% |
8.5 |
1.6 |
This section includes books on the craft of writing; American literature including poetry, drama, and essay collections as well as criticism and biographies of authors; and similar works by and about British, Canadian, and Australian authors in English.
In the Literature section, we keep a variety of titles on writing craft, including updated style manuals. Collections of works by important authors in the English language are kept as a core collection, along with biographies of the authors and works of criticism when appropriate. The addition of electronic databases with critical information has reduced the need for much criticism in print for educational purposes. Most well-reviewed, popular works on Shakespeare are purchased due to perennial class assignments.
• Books for this area are selected primarily by using professional review journals, paying particular attention to starred reviews and to works on popular authors and those who are studied in local schools.
• Biographies of authors, memoirs, and works by humorists often appear on best seller lists, and are usually purchased due to patron demand.
• Books in poor condition are weeded and may be replaced based on popularity.
• As “collected works” of important authors, particularly poets, become available, smaller individual titles may be weeded as superseded.
Based on the relative and active use statistics, this collection is larger than current popularity requires. Careful weeding is appropriate to move the collection closer to ideal size.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.46 |
32% |
10 |
1.2 |
This collection consists of plays, poetry, and literary criticism written by and about foreign language authors, and popular fiction and nonfiction written in Spanish and Polish.
Because the collection caters to the general public and accommodates high school students, the focus is on French, Italian, and Russian writers as well as the Greek and Latin classics. This section also includes popular fiction and nonfiction written in Spanish and Polish as there are many La Grange residents who speak these languages.
• Use Public Library Catalog to identify the classics in Latin and early Greek literature, and for selection of French, Italian, and Russian writers.
• Replacement copies or revised editions should be purchased to replace old or worn material.
• Select bestsellers and popular fiction and nonfiction for the Spanish and Polish circulating collections.
• While classic titles should be retained, attention should be given to books that are in damaged or worn condition.
• Circulation statistics are an important consideration as well as availability at other libraries.
• Based on the 2010 circulation report, this collection should be aggressively weeded.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.67 |
44% |
8.7 |
1.1 |
• This section consists of works on general world history, explorers, pirates, shipwrecks, and worldwide travel. It also contains atlases.
• There is some overlap with areas of ancient history and with books on current life in foreign countries.
The Geography and Travel section includes materials for students and “armchair travelers” as well as vacationers. We try to cover the entire globe with a mix of current guidebooks and narrative titles. Books on the other subjects in the section are purchased as interest warrants, with an emphasis on well-reviewed titles.
Our patrons travel extensively, and a wide variety of travel materials are necessary to meet their needs. In addition, there is great demand for very recent information. A number of standard “brand name” guidebooks (e.g., Fodor’s and Eyewitness guides) are purchased for most areas of the world and supplemented by other titles as needed, with accuracy and currency of information guiding selection. These are updated as often as budget and publication schedule permit. The most popular travel locations receive closer focus, with standing orders aiding ready availability of perennially popular books:
• Florida
• Chicago and environs; Illinois
• Europe, especially Great Britain, France and Germany
• Loss of materials in this area requires frequent replacement.
Atlases are mainly housed with Oversized Books and in the atlas case in the Reference Collection. Books in the other categories are selected as popularity dictates (pirates, the Titanic, Great Lakes shipwrecks).
• This section is weeded regularly as new editions of guidebooks are purchased. With few exceptions, older editions are removed to allow for a wider variety of titles in the allotted space.
• Narrative travel books and guidebooks with an emphasis on history and culture are weeded less frequently, with circulation statistics and available space being most important. This also holds true for books on general world history and other subjects in this section.
• This area is slightly smaller than desired according to the 2010 circulation report. Budget funds should be allotted to allow for frequency of updating this collection.
|
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
1.14 |
57% |
7.6 |
1.8 |
This collection consists of ancient history, the histories of Europe, Asia, and Africa, World Wars I and II, and popular biographies on royalty, especially those of England, France, and Russia.
Popular works intended for a general audience and materials to support student use form the core of the collection. The ancient history section emphasizes the Egyptian, Roman, and Greek empires. Current conflicts as well as past wars involving the United States are also popular, in particular World Wars I and II, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
• Books about the rapidly evolving events in the Middle East as well as ongoing changes and developments in Africa are currently popular.
• Select titles written by significant authors to ensure books contain historically accurate information.
• Weed books that are damaged, worn, or contain information that is biased or historically inaccurate.
• Materials can date rapidly due to changes in governments, shifts in geographic boundaries, breakup of countries (i.e., the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia).
• Based on the 2010 circulation report, this collection should remain at its current size.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.95 |
57% |
7.5 |
1.7 |
• This section covers U.S. history, including state and local histories, as well as histories of Native American tribes.
• Also included in this area are histories of Latin America and the Pacific Islands.
• The collection is for a general adult audience, as well as for high school students.
In this section, we intend on having a broad range of books that includes presidential biographies and memoirs, histories of notable events, Native American tribes, and state and local histories.
• We purchase well-written and comprehensive biographies of U.S. presidents and other key political leaders, as well as biographies of notable historic figures in Latin American history.
• Books on U.S. presidential elections and significant events in U.S. history, such as the American Revolution and specific battles of the U.S. Civil War by notable historians, are given prime consideration.
• Any books on La Grange history are important to have, as well as well-written histories of Chicago and Illinois.
• Books in these areas are weeded if there are too many books on a specific U.S. president, so we tend to keep the newer ones. If the biography is a classic, we will keep it or replace it with a reprint.
• New historical research on the original 13 colonies, American Revolution, and Civil War will replace titles with older, dated information.
• Circulation statistics and turnover favor maintaining the overall size of this collection.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.84 |
54% |
8.8 |
1.7 |
• The reference collection includes both print and online resources, whose primary purpose is to supplement the educational and informational needs of the community. It covers all subject areas. We also have a selection of professional titles that assist with staff work, such as a collection of Reader’s Advisor sources.
• Due to space considerations, much of the print collection is housed behind the desk as Ready Reference. A portion of it is also housed with circulating genealogy titles in the nonfiction shelves; much of the genealogy collection was donated by the local DAR chapter. The intended audience of the adult Reference collection is teens through adults, though it supplements the Youth Services collection as well.
• Online resources such as databases and eBook collections are available both in the Library and from the home computers of La Grange cardholders. These subscriptions meet the needs of our residents “24/7” and also ease crowded shelves when they can replace print titles. The availability of full-text journal articles online is especially important to our collection since our periodical collection is of a more popular nature and of limited use in research.
• A small collection of local and Chicago history titles is maintained.
The Reference collection is used by students of all ages, members of the business community, and residents looking for current information on topics such as medicine and investment. Reference is changing, and some materials formerly owned in print have been superseded by online resources.
• We have standing orders for a number of popular Reference titles. Others are updated when availability and funds allow, in order to keep the collection as current and relevant as possible. New print titles are carefully considered for accuracy, usability by a general adult reader, and need, with perennial school assignments being an important factor.
• Selection tools include standard professional journals and catalogs. We also learn about new titles from publisher’s representatives and at workshops and conventions.
• We subscribe to online resources both individually and as members of consortia in order to provide a wide variety of materials in digital format.
• The Reference collection is in constant flux. Weeding occurs regularly as new titles are added, both to maintain shelving space and to provide currency. Older editions are weeded when updates are purchased, or when the importance of timeliness dictates.
• The Reference collection is gradually changing. Although fewer print titles are being purchased as more quality information is available online through database subscriptions, many patrons still prefer to use print sources, and local school assignments require a mix of print and digital sources. We will continue to monitor the collection and our patrons to determine when print materials have outlived their usefulness. We must also promote the availability of our online resources to increase their use.
|
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
N/A |
N/A |
9.2 |
N/A |
• This collection is comprised of general adult fiction titles, primarily in hardcover or trade paperback format. Mass market paperbacks and graphic novels are shelved as separate collections.
• This collection includes genre fiction (mystery, science fiction, romance, horror, westerns) as well as popular and literary fiction. All books in this section are filed by the author’s last name; genre titles are interfiled but receive a spine genre sticker.
La Grange is a well-educated community of readers who are interested in all genres of old and new fiction. Due to limited space, supply does not meet demand, particularly of current bestsellers. We try to meet demand by purchasing multiple copies of popular titles based on numbers of patron holds; duplicate copies are weeded when demand wanes to retain space for a core collection of classic and “back stock” titles. Because we focus heavily on Reader’s Advisor, a deep collection is highly desirable to meet our patrons’ needs.
• Books for this area are selected primarily by reading reviews in professional journals, as well as newspapers and popular and genre-focused magazines such as Entertainment Weekly and Romantic Times.
• Duplicate copies of popular titles are selected based on holds placed by our patrons.
• Special effort is made to purchase titles to maintain series.
• Formerly, our mass market paperback collection was composed solely of donations. We began purchasing them to allow collection of titles, especially romance and science fiction genre titles, which are published only in the mass market format. Replacements of hard-cover books may also be made in mass market paper. Donations of titles by popular authors may be added to the mass market collection, especially if they do not duplicate hard cover titles in our collection.
• Series titles that are out of print in hardcover or trade paperback may be replaced in mass market paperback to maintain complete series.
• Duplicate copies of popular titles are weeded as demand falls.
• The relative use statistics show that this is a very high circulating area. We will need to find creative ways to keep up with demand, such as considering a rental collection.
• A broad and deep collection of fiction (with an emphasis on American fiction) is crucial to meeting the needs of La Grange patrons.
|
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
5.07 |
62% |
8 |
3.3 |
This collection consists of works of mysteries and police procedurals. It does not include thrillers or other crime fiction where no “mystery” exists. Story collections by one author are kept in this section; those by multiple authors are in Literature 800–829. The collection is interfiled on the shelves with fiction, but has genre spine labels for ease of browsing.
We purchase a wide variety of mysteries, including both stand-alone and series titles. Popular series are retained as space allows, but individual series titles may be purchased by patron request or to introduce patrons to new authors.
• Due to the popularity of this area, most starred or well-reviewed debut titles (series or stand-alone) are purchased.
• Special effort is made to purchase titles to maintain series.
• As this area circulates well, much weeding is done by attrition as copies wear out or are declared missing.
• Popular, still circulating titles may be replaced with used copies, or purchased for the mass-market paperback collection if in print.
• Titles that do not circulate are weeded at three to five years, as space requires.
• Mysteries are a high-circulating area; demand far outstretches supply. Selectors must be aware of currently popular subgenres, and keep up with trends like hybrid mysteries (mysteries crossed with other genre such as paranormal or futuristic stories), while continuing to purchase perennially popular types like British procedurals and historical mysteries.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
1.75 |
68% |
8.8 |
3.4 |
This collection consists of speculative fiction, marked with a “science fiction” spine label and interfiled with the fiction collection as a whole.
Science fiction is a well-recognized genre within the larger fiction collection and so is treated as a separate collection. It includes such popular subgenres as fantasy, alternate history, urban fantasy, and “hard” science fiction, but does not include horror.
• Books are located for this section by reading reviews in professional journals, supplemented by popular culture magazines such as Entertainment Weekly.
• Many science fiction authors write books in series. The selector should pay particular attention to keeping up with popular series (as judged by circulation statistics).
• Due to the small budget in this section, books in the Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, and other popular movie- and TV-based series have not been collected.
• A small core collection of titles important to the genre (such as Dune, the Foundation Trilogy, and Ringworld) should be retained.
• Circulation statistics will be the main criteria for weeding this collection.
• While this is the least popular area of the fiction collection, the circulation statistics indicate that there is patron interest in science fiction. This section should maintain its size as a representative collection.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.64 |
53% |
8 |
1.6 |
The collection consists of fiction and nonfiction books in large type format.
The collection is primarily popular titles to accommodate the interests of the readers.
• Review bestseller lists in large print and non-large print, patron requests and books advertised in the media (former Oprah selections).
• Keep current with the Big Read and other local and national group selections.
• Select basic reference titles on computer skills, diet and nutrition.
• Select books with current medical information regarding vision impairment.
• In fiction and nonfiction, weed items that haven’t circulated in 3 years.
• The goal is to grow this collection to meet recent increasing demand for large print books.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
1.6 |
73% |
6.4 |
2.5 |
This collection consists of two sections of graphic novels: fiction, shelved by author or series title; and nonfiction, shelved by Dewey Decimal number.
The graphic novel collection was developed in 2001 as a deep collection covering all aspects of publishing in this format. Examples from every era and every genre have been added to the collection, with the intention of providing examples of the full range of storytelling in the graphic format. The fiction section includes popular superhero titles, Japanese manga series, other series, stand-alone literary titles, etc. The nonfiction section includes any nonfiction titles written in the graphic format.
• Books are located for this section by reading reviews in professional journals, including the Comics Buyer’s Guide.
• The selector should establish a relationship with local comics stores (such as Chimera’s Comics in La Grange). This is an excellent way to determine local buying, and therefore reading, patterns.
• The selector should also join GNLIB, the graphic novel librarians’ listserv. This is highly recommended as a source for general information and specific collection advice.
• Damaged titles will be considered for repair or replacement if warranted by their circulation statistics.
• In the future, circulation statistics will be the main criteria for weeding this collection.
• The Graphic Novel collection is still growing and shows extremely high demand by all statistical counting methods.
• In the future new formats, such as web comics, will be considered for purchase.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
1.94 |
77% |
4.8 |
2.3 |
• This collection is primarily comprised of fiction and nonfiction titles on compact disc. Language instruction titles are also included, including English for foreign-born patrons.
• A steadily circulating collection of audiobooks on cassette still exists, but is no longer being maintained since the format is becoming obsolete.
La Grange has many commuters who listen to books while driving. In addition, titles are popular with travelers, seniors, and others in the community. We maintain a high-use collection of titles by popular authors as well as standards and classics.
• Selection is primarily done on a title-by-title basis, but may include standing orders.
• Titles are generally purchased from publishers who offer discounts and replacement plans, though other titles may be purchased to supplement the variety of the collection and to meet patron requests.
• Unabridged titles are purchased with few exceptions.
• Donations of titles by popular authors are added if in good condition.
• Very popular titles on cassette are replaced on cd as they are weeded.
• The collection of books on CD is growing; weeding is mainly by attrition. More space becomes available to them as cassettes are removed from the collection. We will watch trends to determine when the collection has reached its ideal size or has been superseded by a new technology.
• Relative use and active use statistics indicate that the collection is considerably smaller than desirable. However, technology changes quickly and we will need to monitor how long to build this collection and when funds should be transferred to a new format.
• We have a growing collection of MP3 disc audiobooks which are donations from Recorded Books. We will monitor their popularity in deciding whether titles should also be purchased.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
CD Book |
5.81 |
97% |
3.2 |
7.4 |
|
Audiocassette |
0.77 |
57% |
10.5 |
5.2 |
This collection consists of two sections of DVDs: feature films (including wide-release documentaries), and popular television series.
The feature film section of the DVDs was begun in 2001 and has been developed as a deep collection encompassing the entire history of filmmaking. Films from every era and every genre have been added to the collection with the intention of providing examples of the full range of the filmmakers’ art for our patrons. This addition of “old” movies has proven to be important now that most of the video stores in the area have closed down. “New” movies are added based on popularity at the theater, on quality within their genre, and on awards (such as the Academy Award). The television section was begun in 2011 and is still developing. While building the collection, the focus is on currently popular series, with the intention of filling in with “classic” television programs.
• DVDs are located for these two sections by examining patron holds (particularly High Demand Holds); by reading movie and television reviews in newspapers and magazines; by checking the charts of highest grossing films and most watched television shows; and by reading magazines on popular culture such as Entertainment Weekly.
• Priority is given to purchasing current films and television shows first, with remaining funds used for patron requests and “classic” titles.
• Donations of DVDs in good condition are highly encouraged for each section, with duplicates of high demand titles held in reserve as future replacement copies.
• Damaged titles will be considered for repair or replacement if warranted by their circulation statistics.
• In the future, circulation statistics will be the main criteria for weeding this collection.
• The DVD collection is still growing and shows extremely high demand by all statistical counting methods.
• In the future new formats, such as Blu-Ray, will be added as demand increases.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
DVD |
13.62 |
100% |
4 |
16 |
|
TV-DVD |
10.33 |
98% |
2.3 |
11.5 |
The Library has a small circulating collection of VHS tapes for titles that may not be readily available on DVD.
VHS format has been replaced by DVD for almost all titles. The Library retains copies of nonfiction titles on VHS, in particular geographical and historical series.
• Selectors will not add new VHS titles.
• Selectors should review whether titles currently held on VHS are now available on DVD.
• Selectors should review the VHS tapes for wear and condition after 100 circulations. VHS tapes should be weeded after two years without circulating, unless they represent significant local or historical interest.
• This collection should be phased out by the end of 2015.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
0.35 |
37% |
9.8 |
0.8 |
This section consists of recorded CDs, primarily music but also a small number of spoken-word discs. The collection was begun in the late 1980s as a mostly classical collection, but other music styles were added in earnest beginning in the early 1990s to meet growing patron interest.
This is an extremely popular collection. Due to space and budget constraints, supply does not meet demand. Adult and Young Adult titles are shelved together, though each department selects its own materials to meet individual needs. An effort is made in the adult collection to purchase popular and classical music of the widest variety to meet the entertainment and educational needs of the community.
• Popular magazines and library journals, “hit lists,” radio playlists such as Sirius XM, and music websites such as http://allmusic.com are utilized.
• The adult collection purchases “uncut” or “uncensored” items when a choice is required.
• Due to budget, packaging and shelving constraints, “boxed sets” are not purchased.
• We receive many excellent donations of music CDs and select many of them to supplement our collection.
• Weeding is mostly by attrition. This is a growing collection, but some allowances must be made for space. Fortunately, high circulation assists with shelving issues.
• Replacement is necessarily high due to theft of materials.
• Out of print items are not replaced. We do not purchase used CDs.
• This collection is still growing. Due to its popularity according to relative use and active use statistics, space and budget are the biggest considerations as to collection size.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
4.63 |
92% |
7.2 |
5.4 |
This section consists of CD and DVD kits of educational materials by the Great Courses Company. The courses cover a wide variety subjects in history, science and the arts.
Our small collection has developed strictly through donations of used copies of the materials. Though they are popular with a small group of patrons, due to their high cost and relatively low local interest we have chosen not to purchase them.
• We add donated copies of Great Courses sets when available. Hanging kit bags are purchased to house the sets, which may include booklets, audio CDs, and/or DVDs.
• Our subscription to the Universal Class database may eventually eliminate our need to house this donated collection of educational courses.
• Weeding is by attrition, as materials are lost or damaged. Some individual titles comprise two or more kit bags, and all are withdrawn if any of the parts is unusable.
• Two shelves are dedicated to the kits; titles may be weeded in the future based on space needs.
• The adult kits collection can be maintained at its current size. New titles are added very occasionally as they are donated, and kits are weeded at approximately the same rate. If patron interest in this sort of collection grows, we might consider purchasing titles, though active marketing of the Universal Class database would likely fulfill most needs.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
2.93 |
N/A |
4.8 |
3.3 |
The La Grange Public Library currently owns four Sony Readers and three Barnes & Noble Nook Colors. One copy of each device is held at the Reference Desk to assist patrons, and the rest of the copies circulate to the public.
In 2011, using funds from the Friends of the Library, we first purchased e-readers to circulate to the public. We purchased over 20 e-books for each device in order for patrons to become familiar with reading e-books.
• The Sony Reader was selected for its durability and compatibility with Media on Demand. The Nook Color provides full color illustrations for children’s picture books, adult cookbooks and travel guides.
• Library staff members are conducting patron surveys in 2011 and 2012 to determine patron interest in different e-reader formats, such as the Amazon Kindle.
• All the circulating e-readers have extended warranties, and they can be replaced if damaged.
• As this is a new collection, we need to determine which devices are of interest to our patrons, and to purchase new devices when funding is available.
• In the future, e-reader devices may become less popular as tablets become less expensive. We will explore circulating tablets to the public.
|
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
N/A |
0.71% |
0.5 |
36.2 |
• The video game collection consists of games for four different consoles: Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation3.
• We acquire games of all ratings that have an intended teen and adult audience, and all games rated T (teen) or above are in the adult collection.
• Games with characters from the Disney, Mario, Sonic, and LEGO series are all kept in Youth Services, unless a rating is unsuitable for children.
We decided to circulate video games after doing an in-house survey of patrons in 2009 asking them if they would check video games out and if so, which console. The top three were the DS, Wii, and Xbox 360 by a wide margin. The Friends of the Library donated money for the opening day collection, and the management team decided to focus the collection on offering a variety of popular titles.
• The website www.metacritic.com is a great resource to find video game reviews.
• Currently, circulation statistics show the Xbox 360 is the most popular format followed by Wii and then DS. Buy at least two Xbox 360 and Wii games for every DS game. The same titles may be ordered for multiple consoles, but reviews vary for each console version.
• We will purchase popular games for the PlayStation3 if they are exclusive to this console.
• Currently, music and sports games circulate the most for Wii, shooter and racing games circulate the most on Xbox 360, and puzzle games circulate the most on the DS. It is important to provide a variety of genres for each console.
• Because of the cost of each game, we rarely purchase duplicates, and especially do not duplicate titles available in the Youth Services collection.
• Games should be withdrawn when they no longer work or have not circulated in one year.
• This is a growing collection with very high relative use, active use, and turnover statistics. We should explore patron interest in purchasing additional formats, such as Nintendo 3DS.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
12.64 |
99% |
1.5 |
13.0 |
The Library collects magazines for adults, young adults, and children. Adult magazines are stored in the Quiet Reading Room, young adult magazines are on wall shelving in the YA room, and children’s magazines are shelved in the YS room.
We will keep a variety of subject areas, so the collection will be broad enough to appeal to as many patrons as possible. The adult magazines cover pop culture, home and garden, cooking, finance, and news. The YA magazines focus on fashion, sports, design, music, humor, news, gaming, and writing, published with a target audience of 12–18 years old. The YS magazines cover parenting, comics, sports and creative play.
• Patrons and staff are encouraged to recommend titles to add to the collection.
• The title is reviewed by all adult selectors and they vote whether to add the title.
• Magazines are added based on their topic’s interest level in the community.
• We withdraw titles from the collection when they cease publication.
• Subscriptions may also be cancelled by selectors due to low in-house statistics (done twice per year), lack of circulation, and rising subscription fees.
• Using the LGPLMagRenew blog, a renewal list is sent monthly to selectors so they can review the previous year and current prices, to determine whether the title should be renewed.
• Re-assess the space needs and circulation of the magazine collection, in particular the retention of issues (i.e., two years). Continue to evaluate titles as they are renewed.
|
Relative Use |
Active Use |
Average Age |
Turnover |
|
|
Adult |
0.84 |
46% |
1.6 |
1.1 |
|
YA |
0.56 |
37% |
1.4 |
0.5 |
|
YS |
0.60 |
43% |
1.4 |
0.8 |