(This series was originally written in 2011. All data is as originally published since it was such a big project at the time, but the methods and concepts presented are still valid. Start with Shelf Balancing, Part 1.) Let the
Category: Practical Librarian
This is the place where we put more serious discussions of librarianship.
Shelf Balancing, Part 1
Originally published on March 1, 2011 at http://hhibner.blogspot.com/2011/03/shelf-balancing-study.html Image creative commons courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/61056899 Comment from Holly on 11/19/2014: This is a series of posts I wrote in 2011. It was a HUGE project, so rather than update all the

Shelf Reading and Shifting ALB
Like any collection, monitoring, shifting and keeping it fresh is the job of the librarian. Awful Library Books is no exception. ALB began as a platform to preach about the perils of ignoring a collection. Since we are still here
Collection Policy vs. Guidelines
My library has a Materials Selection Policy that is roughly a page and a half long. We also have a separate, five page “Collection Management Guidelines” document for staff. Here’s the difference: Materials Selection Policy The word policy means it’s
Another Baby Step in Collection Analysis
As we discussed in my post Using Excel in Collection Analysis, go slow and work a small data set into the ground until you feel comfortable. While you are in “learning mode”, use enough data to fit comfortably on the screen, so
Using Excel with Collection Development
Holly and I are in the process of writing a new edition of Making a Collection Count. As we go through the chapters and start really re-thinking the content and updating this book, I really wanted to make the idea
Collection Analysis: Median vs. Average
There is more to understanding a collection age beyond average and thanks to Emma, who made a comment on my last collection analysis post, I thought it would also help to discuss median age in a collection. My experience has been
Collection Metrics Part 2: Dewey Call Numbers
Now that we’ve talked about using publication dates, let’s talk about metrics that use call numbers. What do we still have in the collection after that big weed? It’s too big a chart to include here, but I can tell