Developing an Outstanding Core Collection

Chase, Matthew
Fall 2016

Citation

Alabaster, C. (2002). Developing an outstanding core collection: A guide for librarians. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

Summary

Alabaster's book provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the collaborative development of a library's core collection. She uses the case study of the Phoenix Public Library system to thoroughly examine the process. The author defines a core collection as one in which each title circulates regularly and reflect the current interests of the local community. She addresses the issues relating to core collection development such as budgetary limitations, lack of communication among library staff, and an inconsistent understanding of what constitutes a core title.

Evaluation

I found the book to be a great resource that sought to clarify the issue of what makes up a well-established core collection. In particular, her definition of a core title resolves the misunderstanding that they only concern the so-called classics of literature. She aimed to expand this narrow criteria to include any materials relevant to the needs and the interests of a library's community. Alabaster also adds the criteria of currency and usage to determine a title's status as part of the core collection. She highlights the importance of maintaining clear communication and goals, emphasizing the need for written collection policy statements and well-organized staff forums to discuss issues. While the book proves very useful, I thought it problematic in some ways. The case study of an entire library system was of particular issue, since they sought to develop a uniform core collection across all library branches, with each library being required to purchase the same core titles no matter budget and other limitations. There were several issues arising from this ambitious endeavor as the smaller branches didn't have the funding or space to match their larger counterparts. It also neglected to recognize that some core titles won't be as relevant to some of the branch communities being served.

Is anyone paying attention to Library posting on Social Media?

 Wilson, Shibrie

Dowd, N. (2013, May 7). Social Media: Libraries Are Posting, but Is Anyone Listening? Retrieved from http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2013/05/marketing/social-media-libraries-are-posting-but-is-anyone-listening/

Considering amount of people using social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, certainly this can be an outlet for libraries to use as a platform for marketing. This is article noticed that this can be both yes and no. According to a recent survey by Library Journal's Survey "86 percent of libraries said they were using social media. The top two social media platforms used by libraries were Facebook (99 percent) and Twitter (56 percent)." Issue with using social media outlets is that some libraries do not have a strategic plan to implement goals. There must be a sense of direction when creating social media in order to connect patrons to utilize services provided. Allowing the social media site to be fun and interactive is another concept in which some libraries are struggling with. Just as Dowd stated in article that you want to be able to engage users and use visual techniques and also make it fun. Challenge people to like your post or follow you and it will increase over time the amount of individuals that are actually paying attention to the Library on social media.

Opinion:
Using social media can be great for some libraries and a fail for many. This article addresses different techniques in which I agree with as to why some libraries are unsuccessful with their social media accounts while others are prospering. Everything is about marketing and how you are engaging users, and keep it social and interactive. After all that is why it is social media and platform for interacting users and advertising.