Event Date & Time: Wednesday, November 9th, 2016, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PT

Lack of an evidence-based approach to selection and distribution in public libraries can result in buying too many titles, or the wrong titles entirely, therefore creating a cycle of “buying to weed."  In the current climate, public library spending faces increased scrutiny and patrons are faced with an overwhelming choice of how and where to access books and information. Public libraries therefore must be able to “break the cycle” by making demand-driven selection decisions and maximizing existing items in their collection. Many libraries today use Evidence-based Selection Planning (ESP) to make more informed, less wasteful purchasing decisions. ESP applies a number of datapoints including circulation evidence, peer analysis and reviews to recommend how current and pre-published titles are likely to circulate at a given location. Selectors can apply this information to purchase the right titles, in the right quantities, to distribute to the right branches according to local demand. This webinar will not only discuss how to improve decisions when purchasing new items, but also how to make existing collections work harder. Until recently, many libraries would respond to the high volume of dead items in their collections through weeding alone. Our panel will discuss the use of an evidence-based transfer process to move dead items to new locations where there is a proven demand, therefore offering an item every chance to circulate before it is removed from the collection.

Panelists

• Mary Jane Spehar, Assistant Director, Chattanooga Public Library
• Michael Huff, Collections and Services Director, Mid-Columbia Libraries
• Nigel Wheeldon, Senior Business Development Manager, collectionHQ

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