Readership development > Best practice > Stock selection

Guidelines and research into stock selection, management and promotion.

Resource Management Guidance and Development Framework, SLIC funded report, 2000 (PDF format).

Following the work carried out by SLIC to produce "Implementing Best Value in Public Library Services: a toolkit for performance management", it was agreed by Heads Of Public Library Service that work was required to assist in the development of integrated stock management policies.The Best Value toolkit indicated that few authorities had comprehensive written policies and to remedy this SLIC undertook to support a group to develop a framework, which would underpin local needs.

E business approach to stock exploitation, West Lothian Libraries', SLIC funded project 2000-2001 (PDF format).

In response to registered customers lapsing from regular library borrowing. A study was carried out by West Lothian libraries to capilitalise on the increased access to email for users. Matching reader interests with additions to stock, to create a personal booklist.

* Bertelsmann (International Network of Public Libraries): Evidence Based Stock Management: George Kerr, West Lothian (PDF format).

Report outlines an integrated stock management system used by West Lothian Libraries, describes how the system was used as model for an implementation project to partner libraries. Highlights a 'group sharing' scheme for more efficient transfer (rotation) of stock between sites.

A presentation by George Kerr on Evidence Based Stock Management is available (PDF format).

A 'toolkit' for library services to use themselves is also available to download (PDF format).

* UKOLN: Trend Analysis of Monograph Acquisitions in Public and University Libraries in the UK (Word & PDF format)

Study investigating changes in acquisitions and stock management practices in UK academic and public libraries between 1980 and 1998.

* Opening the Book: Reader Centred Selection

Audit Commission funded study to develop and test a method of assessing the quality of adult fiction stock, in a library service.

* LIC: Outsourcing book selection: supplier selection in public libraries: research report 20.

Library and Information Commision commisioned report by Capital Planning Information, focusing on the outsourcing of book selection by suppliers can offer potential benefits in terms of financial advantage, better use of staff through work redeployment and more rapid supply.