What techniques does the librarian use to evaluate the collections? And who do you report your findings to?
There are many techniques that a librarian can use to evaluate their collection. Although I do not yet have my own library collection, I’ve learned a lot of information through this week’s reading. I now understand the importance of weeding through a collection, and I am naturally a cleaner and do not like clutter so this is something that I feel I will do well in a library setting. Kerby (2019) provides a weeding guideline to help librarians evaluate their collections. In addition, it is always best to check the district school board policy on weeding and reconsideration of materials. I also think the Just Weed It! Flyer is a great visual and simple explanation of how to keep a library’s collection F.R.E.S.H., accessible to staff and students, and shows representation of the school community (LeGrande, 2020). Librarians can then also use tools such as Follett’s Titlewise Collection Analysis (Follett Community, 2023) to analyze their collection and help provide data to include in their annual reports. Annual reports should be shared with administrators in the building and even those on a district level.
What role should the evaluation play in the selection of materials?
The evaluation of a collection should provide a librarian with an idea of what materials are most frequently used and checked out so that more materials, if needed can be added to the collection. In contrast, this also shows a librarian what materials are not utilized and may need to be weeded from the collection. This also gives the librarian an opportunity to make sure that materials are up to date, in good condition, meet standards, and provide representation to staff and students.
Do you think there should be a separate evaluation procedure for digital and print materials?
I feel that the purpose of evaluating both digital and printed materials is the same, however, the procedure may need to be revised. For example, digital materials may be evaluated by accessing reports or getting feedback from students and staff on their use of the materials.
School librarians should get feedback from students and staff. How should they solicit feedback? What role does that feedback play in collection development?
Yes, reaching out to students and staff is extremely important in collection development. I feel the best way to solicit feedback is to do a simple survey, especially with elementary students. The survey should be short and ask quality questions regarding materials. The same goes for staff, they are busy and are less likely to provide feedback if it is time consuming. After receiving feedback, librarians should use the information along with the other weeding techniques to make necessary changes or additions to the library collection.
How does the evaluation of the collection change as state or national standards change?
The evaluation of the collection will change somewhat over time as standards change and this is something that librarians will need to be aware of and keep in mind when weeding through materials.
References:
Follett Community. (2023).Learn how to perform a TitleWise collection analysis. Retrieved on July 13, 2023, from https://www.follettcommunity.com/s/article/Webinar-Learn-How-to-Perform-a-TitleWise-Collection-Analysis
Kerby, M. (2019). An introduction to collection development for school librarians (2nd ed.). AASL.
LeGarde, J. (2020, April 30). BFTP: Keeping your library collection smelling F.R.E.S.H! [Blog]. The Adventures of Library Girl. Retrieved on July 13, 2023, from https://www.librarygirl.net/post/bftp-keeping-your-library-collection-smelling-f-r-e-s-h