Reference and Collection Development
The tool that is used most often is the online catalog for the library itself. The library has an extensive print collection, and an impressive audio visual collection that is the largest in the state. It gets used quite a bit. They also have a good collection of databases that can be found on the website. The information tools most in demand by students and faculty are the catalog and databases.
2. How has technology like the Internet affected collection development in reference and nonfiction in general?
Because of the internet, selectors have access to more review and can also use Worldcat to
see what other libraries have. The library reference desk uses general google
searches quite often to get patrons started on their search. They still ensure
that print versions of encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference materials
are available.
3. How do the collection use statistics reflect patron use of this collection?
There are stats for various areas of the library, most of which I do not have access to, but the overall stats show that the library is well used, in all aspects. There's even a special room devoted to Montana history, something I would assume doesn't get used much, but every time I go by someone is in there doing research.
4. How many reference interviews, the conversation we have with a patron trying to understand their real information need, and getting enough background information to do a good job filling the need, does the librarian conduct in a month and what techniques are used?
Roughly 12 interviews are conducted per month, and the librarians just ask questions and show the patrons what they are searching, until they've narrowed the topic down. There isn't a worksheet or anything for them to fill out.
5. How is the reference section developed? Is the budget adequate for purchases in this collection?
The selector weeds every six months
or so and adds to the collection as she sees needs. The more often updated
stuff, like medical books, are trying to go more electronic. Patron questions
and suggestions also play into the ordering.
6. Are there any novel reference related programs like homework help sites or virtual reference used in this library?
There is a link on the website to homework help Montana, and to other helpful sites for students.
7. Does the librarian have any standing orders or a replacement and renewal cycle for reference works like dictionaries, encyclopedia, and the like?
Standing order - Foundation directory
and others like it, national biographies, several annuals. Standing orders has
its own budget, and nothing is on a renewal cycle.
8. What are the Site Supervisor’s favorite collection development tools?
American Reference Books Annual and
School Library Journal Best Reference Books of the Year are probably used the
most, and next to that is personal recommendations by staff and patrons.
Salesmen call and are kind of a reminder.
9. What is the best section of the collection and why does this area show such promise? What is the weakest section of the collection and why does it lag behind the rest? By best I am thinking of currency, curriculum support, Internship Student and faculty use.
Most used section is the nonfiction-
cookbooks, photography, montana history, consumer health, the weakest section -
everything on the shelf has earned its spot, and possibly the reference section
is the weakest.
10. Describe any unique features such as population, geography, financial support, etc, that influences the library’s collection program.
The library has the local paper, the Missoulian, on microfilm back to
1900, city directories going back to 1890, whole room devoted to Montana,
Missoula cemetery records, and local authors. Some self-published local authors do
not get added.
11. What ways does the librarian use to increase circulation for the whole collection and specifically for the poorly used areas of the library?
The librarian uses in house ads, displays, "if
you like this, go here" suggestions, website, and face-to-face suggestions.
12. What weeding techniques does the library use? What is the weeding schedule for the collection? Is something like MUSTY or another weeding criterion used to deselect?
Each selector weeds their own
collection. Fiction - no use in a year and it's out. NonFiction- three years of no use and it's out, kids
collection weeds itself. Paperbacks, science fiction, romance, etc. are all weeded by different people.
CREW is used for most or all of the weeding guidelines.
13. How many times in the last two to three years has the library’s reconsideration policy been used?
5 times.
14. What special collections does the library house and why were they developed?
The library houses a special collection for Montana history, specifically for the Missoula area.
15. How does the librarian solicit collection development information? Does the library receive a lot of collection development suggestions from the faculty and administration of the school? What about Internship Student suggestions?
The library receives a lot of suggestions from its patrons and staff, and the selector takes all of these suggestions seriously.
16. What is the main thing you will take with you in regard to collection development from your internship experience to apply to your library?
There should be an extensive and explicit collection development plan in place in order to properly maintain the collection.
17. Does the library participate in any formal or informal resource sharing programs?
The library belongs to the Montana Shared Catalog, and as a result are heavily invested in an inter library loan program that puts hundreds of materials in and out of the door every day.
Below you will find a worksheet, both front and back, that I was required to complete during my time at the reference desk. The point of it was to become as familiar as possible with the ready reference section of the library. It took quite a bit of time to complete!
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