Weeding and Collection Management in Youth Services

Smith, Cassandra

Library ProKits (2015). Weeding and collection management in youth services [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SCLhFcmS_Y

Summary

This 13 minute video offers suggestions for increasing circulation through weeding and other methods. One librarian explains how to use Web Dewey to find how other libraries are cataloging books so that like-items can be grouped together. They recommend having bookshelves only ⅔ full, allowing for ample room for “face outs.” Shelf ends highlight “If you liked [title of book], try one of these” posters with read alikes on display. Similar to a book store, they also recommend stacking multiple copies of books under a display copy.

Evaluation

The two ladies in this video offer great insight into how to increase circulation. Once a collection has whittled down to what users are truly interested in, circulation will increase because they won't have to sift through old or uninteresting materials. Their creative methods could prove beneficial to many libraries. Many people gravitate or shy away from books based on their covers, so it's important to showcase covers as much as possible. With fewer books on the shelves, that frees up more space for outward facing books.

Developing Library Collections for Today's Young Adults

Chase, Matthew
Fall 2016

Citation:

Pattee, A. S. (2014). Developing library collections for today’s young adults. Lanham: Scarecrow Press.

Summary:

This book addresses the complexities and issues surrounding collection development that specifically targets youth populations. The author highlights the many steps and procedures to an effective development, ranging from needs assessment to evaluation to selection and expansion to even the weeding and removal of collection materials. She balances the book by approaching the development of print materials as well as the digital, to reflect the diversifying and ever-evolving process to youth collections.

Evaluation:

I really appreciated the approach of the author to the topic, as she reflected on collection development as a cyclical process and she developed guidelines around that principle as a result. It allows librarians to adopt a more open-minded framework in their development of collections. For youth services in particular, this principle continues to grow in importance given the ever-changing trends in technology and the diverse needs of youth. Being advocates for youth then, as she explained, it is important that we as librarians also stipulate collection development policies to explain the mission and goals of the collection as to successfully navigate the concerns of adult stakeholders (e.g., parents) and still meet the needs of youth.

Posted by Jenny Cofell

'A Culture of Empathy'

Jensen, Karen.  (November 2015).  A culture of empathy:  We must help youth who are facing mental health challenges.  School Library Journal, 40 - 43.

Summary:  This article notes that teens suffering from mental illness often come to the library because of the calm environment and friendly staff.  On the one hand, this is a good thing, but on the other, it can leave library staff unprepared for the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous behaviours that can come along with mental illnesses. There are over 200 mental health disorders and, since mental illness often shows up in the teen years, it becomes important for those working with Teens to educate themselves on these issues so that they can advocate effectively for those teens who come into their building.

Evaluation:  This article point out the important role teen librarians have an important role in advocating for their patrons who might be struggling with a mental illness.  The library is where teens may come first to seek out information about what is happening to them. It is important to have current materials available on the topic in the collection for teens to consult. The article also lists titles of books that cover the different types of mental illnesses making it a great resource for collection development.