Library Collection Development -- Class 1 -- The purpose of libraries and library collections

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What is the mission of libraries? How is that mission staying constant and how is it changing? Introduction to thinking about the purpose of libraries and collection development through the lens of one librarian at an independent school library in Los Angeles.

Transcript of Library Collection Development -- Class 1 -- The purpose of libraries and library collections

Collection Development and ManagementIS 430 (UCLA)Sarah ClarkMonday, September 30, 2013

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Interview a Partner

1. Name2. Year in school3. Undergraduate area of study4. Best library memory?5. Dream job? (this could be library job or not)6. What is the best breakfast you can imagine?

After you interview your partner, you will introduce he or she to the class.

The Purpose of Librariesmusings on the past, present and future

The Purpose of Libraries

In groups, answer these three questions about the purpose of libraries:

1. What have libraries done in the past that is becoming or has become defunct?

2. What is constant and unchanging about the purpose of libraries?

3. What is new and emerging about the library’s purpose? What is on the horizon?

The purpose of library collections

How should this discussion inform how we think about library collections?

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Your Goals for this Course

Please respond to the following questions on a piece of paper to hand in:

● What do you hope to gain by taking this course?

● What knowledge and/or experience would you like to have by the end of this course?

Windward School Librarymy background and philosophy

Considering Institutional Mission

My question for myself: ● What are the purposes of libraries? Which

library missions resonate with me? ● What specifically is the purpose of a school

library?● And what is my own institution’s mission?

NYPL Mission Statement

“The mission of The New York Public Library is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.”

http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/mission

UNESCO School Library Statement

The School Library in Teaching and Learning for All

http://www.unesco.org/webworld/libraries/manifestos/school_manifesto.html

The school library provides information and ideas that are fundamental to functioning successfully in today’s information and knowledge-based society. The school library equips students with life-long learning skills and develops the imagination, enabling them to live as responsible citizens.

Windward CTL (Library)

The Center for Teaching and Learning at Windward School aims to foster a love for learning based on original inquiry so students may develop into self-directed and engaged adults.

What Makes School Libraries Unique?

● The library's primary purpose is to support education and curriculum.

● School libraries aim to equip students with research skills so they excel in college and adult life.

● Resources in school libraries are specialized in order to suit the age of the students, curriculum, and specific class projects.

● Many librarians, especially at private schools, have a lot of freedom to decide how and when to use their budgets.

School vs. Larger Libraries

UCLA has 9 million itemsLAPL has over 6 million items*Windward School has 7,000 items

*Windward School has 7,000 items

Sources: ALA Factsheet and LAPL website

Windward Schooland building a library (nearly) from scratch.

● Location: Mar Vista, Los Angeles● Population: 525 students, Grades 7-12● Founded in 1971

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)

New building opened in 2009.

Library History

"We don't need a librarian."

"There aren't any books. And when I look them up, they aren't on the shelf."

"I never thought to bring my classes here to do research." Fl

oyd

Bro

wn

WW Takes a Chance

2009: new building, new beginnings, and testing out a librarian

Goal: Weed and rebuild collection and build a library culture.

Step 1: Weed the Collection

DISCLAIMERDon't try this at work: best practice says wait a year before weeding at a new workplace.

Arty Smokes (deaf mute)

Step 2: Collect Fiction and Pleasure Reading Books

Step 3: Build Library Culture

Step 4: Build Relationships with Faculty and Students

Collection Development Policies at WWconnecting with departments one at a time.

What we collect:

● Books to support curricular projects

● Fun/free reading books

● Textbooks

● College and test prep books

● DVDs

● A few board games

● Magazines

● Laptops● Computer chargers● Phone and iPad chargers● Calculators● Video cameras● Point and shoot cameras● Mini tripods● Computer mice● Ethernet cords● Headphones● Office supplies● Rulers● Markers, colored pencils

Grab and Read

Our online resources■ Historical newspapers■ Scholarly journals via

JSTOR■ NoodleTools for citations

and notetaking■ Resource guides

(LibGuides) specific to projects involving research

■ Vimeo account to showcase student work

■ CTL website to tell classroom stories

What we don't collect■ VHS tapes■ Newspapers■ Back issues of magazines■ Printed scholarly journals■ Reference books■ CDs/music■ Materials in most

languages other than English

Formal CD Efforts

Since 2009, we have worked with UCLA interns, department by department, to create collection policies/plans.

History: 2010-2011Theater (Performing Arts): 2010-2011English: 2011-2012Art and Art History: 2012-2013Studio for Writing and Rhetoric: 2012-2013

Windward's Collection Development Process Overview

CD Lessons Learned

● Always begin with your community, not your collection.

● Connecting with faculty gives you a chance to understand their needs and a chance to sell your collection and services.

● Test new online resources in real project situations.

● Involve students when assessing and considering your resources.

Studio for Writing and Rhetoric,

opened fall 2012

Nuts and Boltsinside statistics, reviews, and community feedback.

Evaluating Resources

● Timeliness how quickly can you respond to a user's information need?

● Longevity/Durability● Cost-Benefit● Access● Ease of Use● User Education how much time will you need to

spend educating your users on how to use this resource?

● Organization and Display how can you present this item so people will want to use it?

Tools and Reviews for School Librarians

EarlywordSchool Library JournalLibrary JournalYALSAVOYABooklistLA and NY TimesAmazon and BN.comGoodreads

Develop a ritual for reading reviews so this is not you!

Surveys with Perks

The Commonsbuilding collections, services, and opportunities that are meaningful to your community.

Jack M., 8th GradeCTL Leader

Final Thoughts

A collection is one service out of many that you provide to your community. Ask yourself: what does my community want and need? How can I support them?