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There is still time to complete the surveys about e-collections and non-fiction collections

Your assistance is requested to participate in two surveys which are auspiced by the NSW Public Library Network Research Committee. They are about ecollections and non-fiction collections in NSW public libraries.

We would like to thank the libraries who have already completed these surveys.  You have provided very useful data.  We would like the other NSW public libraries to complete these surveys as we would appreciate a response from each library about these.  Please complete these survey by 9 February 2015. 

ecollections in NSW public libraries

Link to survey

Ecollections are growing in public libraries.  Some libraries report turnover rates very similar to print publications, while others are substantially lower, sometimes even less than the collection size.  Ereaders and tablets are available for loan in some public libraries.  Some are well used, and others are never used. 

Deeper analysis of data and understanding of collection promotion and development would enable the State Library to identify and share good practices for promoting ecollections and ereaders. The objective is to enable NSW public libraries to maximise the benefits and reach of this significant investment. 

Objectives

  1.  To identify the current ecollection usage patterns across NSW public libraries, by format – ebooks, eaudio, emagazines
  2. To identify factors which affect usage of ecollections in NSW public libraries
  3. Develop good practice guidelines for ecollection development, display, access and collection evaluation
  4. To identify current ereader/tablet usage patterns across NSW public libraries
  5. To identify factors which affect usage of ereaders/tablets in NSW public libraries
  6. Develop good practice guidelines for ereaders/tablets and their evaluation

 

Non-fiction 

Link to survey

Over the last decade patterns in nonfiction development and usage have changed significantly. Anecdotally NSW public libraries have observed a shift to internet sources for nonfiction information and a significant reduction in reference and lending adult nonfiction collection sizes and usage and even more significant decreases in junior nonfiction collection size and usage.

 

However preliminary analysis of nonfiction collection data across NSW public libraries indicates that this decrease in size and demand for nonfiction varies dramatically across different library services. Variation in collection sizes and patterns of usage suggests that factors affecting nonfiction collections are more complex than access to alternative sources on the internet.

 

 

Deeper analysis of data and understanding of collection housing, display, promotion and collection development would enable the State Library to identify and share good practices for nonfictioncollections and enable NSW public libraries to maximise the benefits and reach of a significant investment. 

Objectives

  1. To identify the current nonfiction usage patterns across NSW public libraries
  2. To identify factors which affect usage of nonfiction collections in NSW public libraries
  3. Develop good practice guidelines for nonfiction collection development, display, access and collection evaluation

 

 

Project description

The elements of the project would include:

  1.  Analysis of overall trends in NSW public library nonfiction collections and usage data
  2. Identify benchmarks for good practice in nonfiction collection usage
  3. Consultation with NSW libraries achieving high levels of nonfiction usage and satisfaction. Factors for consideration include:

 

a.       Collection display and housing

b.      Collection signage

 

c.       Collection development policy and selection

d.      Collection budget

e.       Procurement models for nonfiction collections

f.        Weeding practices

g.       Collection promotion

h.       Nonfiction cataloguing practices and policies

4.      Publication of good practice guidelines for nonfiction collection development, display, access and evaluation in NSW library
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