While the purpose of reader guidance is to promote reading, it is also intended to increase collection use and create more satisfied library users. There is a strong link between the nature of the collections and the ability to offer reader guidance. Good collections have:
It certainly is possible to provide reader guidance without a local collection. In fact, there are a variety of WWW sites that do just that. While this is a valuable service, local taxpayers/users are likely to be frustrated to be told about wonderful books that are only available somewhere else.
While stock-outs are a fact of life in retailing, they are a considerable problem for the library. Why go to a library if, most of the time, what you want is not there? Better to go to your friendly, neighborhood chain book store.
Even the best public libraries with successful RA programs have
experienced
some collection development and management problems. It is always
difficult, even with leasing programs, to have enough copies of some
popular books. Traditional favorites eventually degrade, but may be out
of print so
replacement copies are difficult to locate. New genre editions often go
out
of print quickly, especially those in mass market paper.
Using circulation records plus anecdotal evidence, selectors need to
make careful decisions about duplicate copies. Likely high demand items
should be placed on reduced circulation periods ["fast reads"].
Thoughtful use of used book sources will often allow replacement
copies. Pre-binding of mass market paper editions will substantially
increase circulations.
Until recently, most library-oriented reviewing sources have largely
ignored mass
market paper editions, perhaps on the assume that they are either
reprints
or of indifferent quality. The poor binding is also a factor since
libraries prefer editions that will circulate many times and last for
years. Poor binding and low quality paper mean that these editions will
need to be "refreshed" periodically. It is important to note that the
binding should not be used to deny users the intellectual and physical
access accorded other editions.
Again, because of their ephemeral nature, few libraries provide
good intellectual access to mass paper editions. Often, they are simply
placed
on racks with any cataloging. Classification may be done by colored
tape on spine to
indicate genre. Without catalog access, genre readers are unable to
discover what is held and may be unable to find the physical book on
the paperback spinner rack.
Because genre fiction in mass market editions has not been taken seriously, little thought is given to actually creating a collection and not just an "accumulation." Some libraries will not purchase mass market editions, but do accept them as gifts. While established authors eventually appear in the higher quality trade paper and trade hard cover editions, an adequate genre fiction collection must include mass market editions. Ideally, these would be pre- or re-bound as well as being cataloged and classified.
Because of the manner in which mass market paper editions are sold [usually only the covers are returned to the publisher], these works go out of print very rapidly. Sometimes they are reprinted when newer works by the author are issued, but that is not certain. The quickness of OP status and the lack of reviews means that librarians must make selection decisions more quickly and using different sources. With the popularity of series in genre fiction, readers are frustrated when a library has only an item or two in a noted series.
Just as with other sorts of collection development, the genre fiction collection must contain both items of quality--those likely to be standards--and the more popular ephemeral titles likely to be in demand for a short time
You should remember these from your collection development course so this is just a reminder.
Although the major genres are popular nearly everywhere, there may be variations from place to place. For example, westerns may be more popular in western states. Historically, science fiction was more popular in communities with more younger male readers. Still, the genre selections in the national chain book stores are the same from place to place so perhaps community knowledge is not as important as it once was.
Be familiar with the strengths and gaps of your genre fiction collections. Monitor circulation statistics and holds or reserves to see how use and demand are changing.
As time allows, interact with users to learn more about their interests and preferences. This is also a good way to learn more about user satisfaction. Be wary of interacting with only a few users that you are comfortable with.
An adopted, persuasive collection development statement is essential. Popular reading should be clearly identified as an essential mission of the library and a rationale for that inclusion should be included. Selection criteria may be included here or with a reference to another section. One item to consider is the importance of insuring that series are complete. Major genres and sub-genres are identified, with specific collecting levels attached. Selection and treatment of mass market paper editions should receive specific attention. Criteria for duplicate or multiple copies is also important. For example, should you always get two copies of each Edgar or Hugo award winner? Weeding and replacement copy criteria are also needed. Gifts and memorial books might be mentioned here or with a reference to another section that deals specifically with these issues.
Have an active replacement program to insure that popular, standard works remain in the collection. This will probably involve some purchase of books on the OP market, but that is relatively easy today with the appropriate WWW sites.
Resources must be allocated thoughtfully and equitably. Genre fiction needs to receive reasonable funding. Circulation-based funding has some merit, but that may not be fair to collections that are not well developed or that have access problems. The appropriate use of lease programs and standing orders for major genre publishers and series needs to receive attention here.
Create a visible program that makes it easy for users to suggest items to be added to the collection or to complain about items that seem to be inappropriate. Such a program can substantially extend the "reach" of selectors who may be unaware of appropriate genre publications.
The standard collection development tools are only somewhat successful in covering genre fiction. It is essential to supplement these sources with genre-specific periodicals and WWW sites. A successful suggestion program may lessen the need to do this if enthusiast readers are scanning these periodicals and WWW sites and making suggestions. Still, readers have their preferences, and the librarian may be more objective and likely to create a more representative collection.
Where there are a few major publishers in a genre, like TOR for SF and heroic fantasy, a publisher newsletter, often available via email, will alert you to forthcoming books and provide selection rationales.
Now and then, browse in genre sections of the larger chain book stores. This can be a good way to improve current awareness as well as keeping an eye on the competition. If you had time, you could even practice some "pure" selection.
Consider pre-binding or re-binding for mass market paper editions. Trade paper editions likely to experience substantial use might also be rebind if hard cover editions are not available.
As Merle Jacob says, "Unfortunately, there are no definitive rules or guidelines for weeding fiction that apply to all libraries." Why should you weed genre fiction?
Reasons not to weed:
Weeding is normally at least a two step process with step one focusing on use and step two on reputation. Accumulate genre best lists before you begin weeding so you know who the standard authors and titles are. This would include the standard hard copy bibliographies and leading websites.
Stack inspections provide perspective. Physical access problems may inhibit use. Books on top and bottom shelves are less likely to circulate. Is the signage clear and visible? Are shelves inviting? For examples, are shelves dusted and orderly? Where are the mass market paperbacks? Is intellectual access provided for those? How are new books handled? Are genre's properly segregated to make user selection easy?
Jacob suggests some guidelines. Weed
Many library users look for new titles, how many will want to read works published years ago? We can identify classic or standard authors, but the secondary ones cause considerable difficulty.
Which genre and sub genres are most popular in the community based on circulation? How have these changed over time? To what degree is popular reading an important part of the library's mission?
How might the collection development policy statement serve as a planning document for the genre fiction collection? Which criteria would be most appropriate to add for particular genres? How selective or comprehensive should the collection be?
If much genre fiction is ephemeral, does it make sense to develop and manage such a collection?
Is it reasonable to wait for less expensive paper editions? Is it reasonable to have mass market paper editions bound? Is it reasonable to provide full intellectual and physical access to these ephemeral editions?
What would be the best way to evaluate a genre fiction collection?
How can we best identify fiction by genre and sub-genre in the catalog and on the shelf? How specific shall we be, especially with sub-genres?
How can we insure that mass-market paper editions are both
intellectually
and physically accessible?
..........
Last major revision: August 2004.