Collective Knowledge

Discarded Materials Survey Results

In our most recent Collective Knowledge Survey we asked library staff members to share how they deal with discarded items, and if libraries re-sell to a vendor, what has been their experience.

All of the respondents indicated that discarded items of high enough quality are either donated to the local Friends of the Library group for resale, or are sold by the library in regularly scheduled book sales. If the quality of items make them unfit for re-sale, or if they don't sell in a certain period of time, then several libraries said they are placed in the recycling bin.

One library said it uses good quality adult books as prizes for its adult Summer Library Program. Another also puts children and teen books in a "Free" box from which young library users can choose.

Only two respondents said they have used a vendor to resell. One said the vendor made it sound quick and easy, but it would probably work better for a larger library. They still had to deal with the items the vendor didn't want.

Another said they just don't have the staff time to organize and ship the items that the vendor was willing to accept, and they still had to deal with the remainder of the discarded items.

The next Collective Knowledge Survey about library use of social media is now accepting responses.

Collective Knowledge Survey: Discarded Items

This is a time of year that many libraries are weeding their collections. We’d like to hear from you about what you do with those items, and if you re-sell to a vendor, what is your experience.

Complete the Discarded Items survey.

Survey Summary: Materials Processing

There were nine responses to our last Collective Knowledge Survey, dealing with the topic of materials processing. Of those nine, two indicated that they contract out all or part of their materials processing function. Vendors were Baker & Taylor, Ingram, Midwest Tape, and Audio Editions.

One library has the vendor process all its hardcover books, adult trade paperback books, music CDs and books on CD. The other library has vendors do complete processing with SCID books, but only partial processing (everything but the ownership label) for rental books. For DVD sets the vendor separates the discs into individual cases and creates artwork for the cases. The rest of the processing is done in house.

Most libraries rely on staff for materials processing, but several also use volunteers. One director indicated that in her experience volunteers are not consistent, even when given samples and written instructions about the processing steps.

One library that contracts out said staff have generally been “okay with how the specified materials have some in.” However, books from one vendor do come in with a type of plastic jacket that does not easily allow staff to get underneath it if they need to replace labels.

See all the survey responses.

Collective Knowledge Survey: Materials Processing

The next Collective Knowledge survey is on the topic of materials processing. Over the past several months we've noticed several discussions on WISPUBLIB and SCLS-Discuss about the different ways libraries address materials processing. We decided that it would be good to include a Collective Knowledge survey on this topic, so here is your chance to become part of the discussion. Tell us about your library's practices related to in-house or contracted materials processing.

Complete the materials processing survey.

Survey Summary: Summer Library Program Completion

Thank you to the libraries who participated in the Collective Knowledge survey on Summer Library Program completion. Of the ten libraries reporting, counting number of titles read and/or keeping track of time spent reading is the primary way libraries define program completion for pre-readers and school age children (7 libraries). Some libraries require participants to read a certain number of books or define a specific amount of time for participants. Other libraries reported that they ask participants to set and work toward their own reading goals. Several libraries reported different program completion methods depending on the age of the participants; a trend in this survey was for libraries to have defined completion expectations for younger children (pre-readers and school age kids) and more flexibility for teen and adult program participants.

See all the survey responses

Collective Knowledge Survey: Summer Library Program Completion

The next Collective Knowledge survey—which asks “How does your library define completion of the Summer Library Program?”—is now available for libraries to complete. (The survey is a Google Docs survey, but you don’t need a Google account to fill it out.)

Complete the Summer Library Program Completion survey.

Concealed Weapons Survey Summary

Our second Collective Knowledge survey is now closed, so we’d like to share with you the responses we received about how libraries are dealing with Wisconsin’s new concealed carry law.

Of the five libraries responding to the survey, three have adopted policies that prohibit weapons in the library. Two of these policies refer to “firearms or weapons of any kind,” while one library’s policy specifically lists “firearms.”

See the all survey responses.

E-Reader Summary

Thank you for participating in our first Collective Knowledge survey on eBook Readers. While the survey is closed, the results will remain a part of this blog so you can refer back to them as needed.

Of the 17 libraries responding, 7 indicated they don’t own any devices (although that number may change with the recent NOOK coordinated order). The rest of the libraries have a variety of devices including Kindles, NOOKs, Sony Readers, an iPad and even a Kobo. Of those responding, four circulate (or are going to) their readers.

As the Continuing Education Coordinator, it was especially gratifying to see that so many of our libraries are using them to train both their staff and patrons. Remember that if you need me to, I can come to your library for additional staff training.

Now, on to the next Collective Knowledge topic: Concealed Carry. With the implementation of "Concealed Carry" legislation in November, many of you have been asking about policies regarding banning weapons in the library.

Please take a few minutes and participate in our second survey. (The survey is a Google Doc survey, but you don’t need a Google account to fill it out.)

eBook readers survey results available

The survey looking at the use of ebook readers in libraries is still underway, but the responses collected to date are now available.

If you haven't completed the survey, it's not too late. The survey is a Google Doc survey, but you don’t need a Google account to fill it out or view the results.

Collective Knowledge survey debuts with eBook readers

In an effort to create a clearinghouse of usable information for SCLS member libraries, SCLS this week has launched “Collective Knowledge.”

Designed to collect and report “Who’s done what?” Collective Knowledge will serve as an information exchange between member libraries on current practices in the libraries and to make this information available for future reference. Surveys will be conducted every other month.

The first survey, which looks at the use of eBook readers in libraries, is now available. (The survey is a Google Doc survey, but you don’t need a Google account to fill it out.)