Training for public library staff on why we are "floating" our collections.

1. Floating our Collection
One System – One Collection
1 February 2012

2. What is a floating collection?
 Essentially, items are shelved at the location where they are
checked in. TLC automatically changes the “owning” branch
designation to the branch where items are returned.
 The philosophy of this method is “One system, one collection.”
(We all own and share the collection.)
 Benefits:
Materials movement is generated by our library customers
through their hold requests.
Items remain at the location where they are returned.
Items move freely among all locations.
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3. Libraries all over the world are using
this method. But why should we do it?
 To get materials into the hands of our customers more
quickly while reducing the handling and transportation of
materials by library staff and courier.
 To help make the entire collection more readily available to
our customers, reduce staff time and save money.
 Branch shelves will not look the same all the time
encouraging more customer browsing and increasing
circulation.
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4. The Fear Factor
You want to do what?
You think this is going to work?
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5. The Real Fear Factor
What if our branch ends up
with too many books?
Or not enough books?
What if stacks of books pile
up everywhere, topple
over, and injure our
customers! Yikes!
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6. Back to the original question:
Why float?
Because
it
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works!

7. Benefits of Floating
For the Library System
Brings us together as a system
Increases materials availability and provides
continuously refreshed collections
Reduces the risk of smaller branches being “read out”
Have you ever wondered how many customers don’t
come back to visit because the shelves are stocked
with the same books all the time?
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8. Benefits of Floating (cont’d)
For our Customers
Allows customers to control the movement of
items across branches
Items are available at the point of check-in
instead of being “In Transit”
Reduces amount of time items are “In Transit”
Offers opportunity to better utilize our catalog
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features - searching and placing holds

9. Benefits of Floating (cont’d)
For our Workload
Reduces amount of materials-handling by the
courier and library staff who load and unload the
crates
Less in-house processing of items such as DVDs –
all items will be uniformly processed and should
come “shelf ready” from the vendor
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10. Benefits of Floating
Some Cost Savings
Reduces physical wear and tear on items
as they are moved less - extending life
Reduces need to duplicate titles
Reduces staff ergonomic injuries
Promotes sharing and good stewardship
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of resources

11. Issues to Address
How do we deal with overflow – too many books on
a topic or shelf at a small branch? You can:
 Do limited shifting to accommodate items
 Make creative displays to increase circulation
 Weed tired, worn and tattered materials
 Create redistribution guidelines
 Relocation should be used as a last resort
THRESHOLD: Your branch manager will receive an email when too many items
are on the shelves at your branch. We will designate a threshold number for your
branch that generates this email automatically.
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12. Issues to Address (cont’d)
Things to Think About
 We will need to standardize our processing practices across the
system. Example: recent changes in cataloging & spine labels for
DVDs.
 Will there be new workflow issues for circulation staff? Will this
change your work routines?
 Customer training (placing holds, system-wide view)
 Collection knowledge – your shelves may be refreshed with new
materials much more frequently and may attract your customers to
come in more often and discover new materials! This equals a
12 possible increase in circulation!

13. Issues to Address (cont’d)
Collection Development
 We now need to standardize processing of materials.
Important point: All items should look alike – labels, stickers, etc. –
because these items now belong to the system and not to any one
branch.
Example: Many branches place a label inside the DVD case that says
“Property of xxxxx branch.”
You should no longer do this. Are there other labels you use?
Please discontinue these practices. If you are unsure, call Diane.
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14. Final Thoughts
 We will begin floating DVDs and music CDs on March 1 st.
 Please think about how will this affect you.
 How can we help staff and customers prepare for the
change?
 Help your customers to get a PIN, learn to use the online
PAC, and place holds when they see items they are
interested in.
 For customers who cannot use the computer, place their
holds for them.
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15. Please talk to your
manager or a collection
development team member
if you have any questions
or suggestions.
We need you to help this
project be successful.
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16. Many thanks to:
Natasha Casteel from the Albuquerque Bernalillo
County Library in Albuquerque, New Mexico for
this PowerPoint presentation.
While I have customized it for our library system, she
developed the original presentation and posted it on
Slideshare for the use of other libraries.
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