Hertfordshire Libraries, Heritage and the Arts - Hertfordshire County ...

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Section 4 - Library Stock and Reader DevelopmentManaging the stockIt is vital to ensure that library stock is ofgood quality and meets the standards wehave set in terms of condition, currency andusage. Hertfordshire is a leading light instock management, having developed asystem known as ‘Total CollectionManagement’ (TCM). TCM is a system ofstock management that defines policy, setsstandards and clear procedures forselection and acquisition; maintenance;stock exploitation; stock editing and stockdisposal. It is used as an example of bestpractice nationally and has informed stockmanagement in many local authorities.The performance of the stock is constantlymonitored using a variety of performanceand quality assurance tools such as theannual stock audit. Stock targets are set foreach library based on the performance oftheir stock benchmarked against libraries ofa similar size. A stock developmentprogramme is in place to ensure that thestock is responsive to the changing needsof users. A recent example of this is thetiering of adult non fiction stock to reflectthe change in patterns of use. InHertfordshire this has stopped the declineof non-fiction issues which is beingexperienced nationally.Hertfordshire meets all the PLSS for stock.In 2004, a new measure, the ‘Stock HealthChecklist’ was introduced to enable therange and balance of fiction stock to beassessed. Hertfordshire came 23rd out of132 authorities who submitted returns:• 36 authorities held over 92% of authorsasked for. Hertfordshire held 96.8%.• 33 authorities held over 75% of allindependent press titles asked for.Hertfordshire held 88.6%.Hertfordshire maintained its “Good” ratingin 2005. The audit was not conducted in2006 but will be undertaken again in 2007.However, the service cannot afford to becomplacent and must continue thepioneering work already carried out toensure Hertfordshire retains or improves onthis current high performance.Stock presentationPresentation of the stock and displaying itin a reader friendly manner is key toencouraging borrowing and increasingusage. Public expectation is increasing andlibraries are constantly being comparedwith the retail sector. A key issue for theservice is that many library buildings andthe shelving in use do not present amodern image. This is being addressed aslibraries are being refurbished but at otherlibraries a number of initiatives whichpresent the stock in a way that encouragesuse and reflects a bookshop style approachhelp to combat this. These include:• Pulling together stock on related topicsinto categories such as travel.• Quick choice sections comprisingpopular fiction and non-fiction.• Bestsellers ‘dump bins’.• Promotions diary programme of themeddisplays.• Shelving which allows face on display.Quick Choice - Hoddesdon LibraryChallenges for 2007• Meeting increasing public expectationswithin existing resources.• Meeting the needs of users who requirebreadth and depth in the stock, but alsorequire popular titles in sufficientnumbers so they can obtain them whilstthey are still current.15
Section 4 - Library Stock and Reader Development• Addressing the reliance on income fromthe hire of audio visual stock whichforms an integral part of the budget. Thestrategy to maximise income iscontinually adjusted but, significantchanges in the availability of video andDVD, combined with other means ofobtaining films has meant a significantdrop in income with likely decreasesyear on year.• Improving provision for disadvantagedgroups. There is a huge demand forstock in a wider range of communitylanguages such as eastern Europeanlanguages and a recent consultationexercise highlighted a demand forextended provision of Urdu stock.• In 2006-07 issues were maintained at2005-06 levels against a nationalbackdrop of falling issues in publiclibraries across the UK. The LHAmarketing strategy identifies a range ofmeasures designed to increase usage.Reader development“Libraries do not just provide a store ofbooks: they help people experience andenjoy the pleasure of reading. In recentyears there has been an important shift inhow libraries view and plan their work withreading. As well as its importance as a toolfor learning, they have recognised itscreative, imaginative role in people’s lives”(Framework for the Future)The status and impact of readerdevelopment work has been greatlyenhanced by a more strategic approachfrom national agencies enabling libraryauthorities to take advantage of skills andresource sharing. In 2006-07 Frontline, alarge scale Internet e-learning programmeto further develop staff skills to carry out amore sophisticated approach to readerdevelopment was introduced. This will beone of the main focuses of the trainingprogramme for 2007-08 as it is cascaded toall staff who deal with library customers.The Service also works regionally throughReadEast, a Reader Development networkto share skills and to develop training andpromotional activities. In 2007 theReadEast conference will focus on‘Partners in Reading”. This will explorelibraries’ 21 st century reading offer and thepartnerships which help deliver it.Reading as a creative activity“52% of adults read books to relax orrelieve stress, 27% as a form of escapism,and 24% as a chance to use theimagination. Two thirds of adults and overhalf of children read books to find thingsout” (Framework for the Future)Reading as a cultural and creative activityis growing. There has been an explosion inreading groups and in Hertfordshire thenumber of groups supported by librarieshas grown from 60 to over 250 in the lastthree years. As well as providing stock forthe groups to borrow, library staff canadvise on titles for discussion enablinggroups to broaden their reading. During2006-07 reading group collections whichenable easy access to suitable titles thatare available in multiple copies wereexpanded.Libraries have been pro-active in setting upgroups and as a result readers do not feelisolated and can find other individuals withwhom they can share their readingexperiences. The service has pioneered areading group solely for people with avisual impairment. Members of the groupchoose titles to discuss which are readilyavailable on cassette and CD. Severalother reading groups have visually impairedmembers who are able to participatethrough the provision of the same titles inlarge print, cassette or CD.16
Page 2 and 3: ContentsPageLibraries for the 21st
Page 4 and 5: Section 1 - Introduction: Libraries
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Page 22 and 23: Section 5 - Equalities and Social I
Page 24 and 25: Section 6 - Heritage and Artsand is
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