Delaware Libraries Project Planning FY2025: Collections

Please contact the DLC team.

Proposed procedure:

• Patron brings Red Dot LOT item to CKO OR asks for item if library is storing them away from public areas.
• Staff notice Red Dot near barcode on item and check patron WF account for note re previous LOT waiver on file.
• If none, staff ask patron (or guardian) to sign LOT waiver (script below)
• Parent/Legal Guardian signs waiver for juvenile card holder. 
• Staff make a NOTE in the patron record, indicating the waiver has been signed is on file at that library. initial & date 
  • ex: 10/31/24 — Signed LOT waiver is on file at Kirkwood. -bb/kw
• Waiver goes in a file at circ desk to later be checked by staff in WF and filed as paper or electronically.
• Waiver is effective for effective for 3 years from the date of signing or when this document is updated, whichever comes first. 

506 field to be added to items:

1. whose item packaging/manufacturer includes a safety warning (other than a choking hazard)
2. that cost $200+ to replace

506   This item requires a signed Library of Things Liability Waiver on file with the library.

Create a Circ Note for the item: ***This item requires a signed Library of Things Liability Waiver on file with the library. May only be checked out by patrons 18+.***

Possible script for staff who ask patron to sign a waiver: 

• "This item is part of a circulating collection that requires proper handling. The waiver only needs to be signed at one Delaware public library every three years to check out our Red Dot LOT items."
• ...Those items are noted in the catalog and by the special labeling on the item (point out label re 1. and the red dot).

Circulation Related:

The Orion StarBlast 4.5″ Telescope kit includes the following items:

• Telescope
• Zoom eyepiece 8mm-24mm  (affixed to the telescope)
• Night Vision Flashlight
• Pocket Guide
• User Manual
• Carrying Pouch

Each telescope has been modified slightly by our partners at the Delaware Astronomical Society (DAS).
Each telescope will come with a pouch that contains a pocket constellation guide, a night vision flashlight, and a custom laminated user guide.
The telescopes will circulate with a 3-week loan period, no holds, and no renewals.
Each will have to be picked up and dropped off at the owning library.
If a telescope is returned to the non-owning library, do not check it in Workflows. Patron must return to owning library. Contact patron to retrieve the telescope and return it to the home library.
The total replacement cost for the telescope is $350.  (Telescope, finder, lens, eyepiece – $250, Flashlight – $20, Laminated User Guide – $10, Audubon Constellation Guide – $10, Pouch – $10) 

Staff are to send questions to the Helpdesk. The DLC Team will address circulation related questions. Technical/maintenance questions will be forwarded to representatives from DAS.

Reference Related:

Patrons are encouraged to send questions to Ask A Librarian Delaware. Circulation related questions will be addressed directly or forwarded to the DLC Team. Technical questions will be forwarded to representatives from DAS.

From Bill Wilson
In general, the tipping point between what is “acceptable” and what indicates a collection that has some problems is a turnover rate of 3.0
 
A turnover rate of under 3.0 is usually a pretty good indication that there is a lot of deadwood in the collection.  This may be because the collection hasn’t been weeded (or hasn’t been weeded well), or that the materials that have been selected aren’t a good fit for the community that is being served.  A 2.7 or 2.8 probably isn’t a big cause for concern, but when you start to see the low 2s or even below 2.0, you have an issue that really needs to be addressed.
 
A turnover rate of 5 or more means that a library is really doing a terrific job of building a collection that is relevant to the public being served.
 
One caveat…  there are some libraries that saw their turnover rates shoot up quickly as first video tapes and then DVDs became a larger and larger part of circulation.  Many libraries are now starting to see their DVD circ number erode as people are doing more downloading/streaming of video content.  I would argue that some libraries have been content to enjoy the high video circ numbers and have put less care and effort into their collection development in regard to books.  It’s going to be hard for these libraries to maintain a 3.0 turnover rate (although they should really try to do so).
 
Here is my non-scientific assessment:
 
Turnover rate of less than 2.0…  Weed, weed, weed, weed!
 
Turnover rate of 2.0 – 2.5… equal effort on weeding and attention to collection development
 
Turnover rate of 2.5 – 3.5… primarily work on collection development, but make sure that regular weeding is taking place
 
Turnover rate of 3.5 – 5.0… keep doing what you’re doing… it’s working!
 
Turnover rate of over 5.0… sign on to doing programs at library conferences!  You have something to teach the profession!

Cooktops have been distributed. 

Please place the laminated info sheet in each kit.

Unshadow the item level record for your library, replace the Item ID, and feel free to begin circulating the kits

Questions? Concerns? Contact Sarena

Take a look at the information video from the Ventura County Library (below)

Social media graphics are available on Consortium Site.

Rights Statements

For more information contact Sarena.Deglin@lib.de.us

Newest LibGuides

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