Floating Collections: A Collection Development Model For Long-Term Success [Paperback]

This easy-to-use, comprehensive guide shows how to establish a floating collection in any libraryregardless of type or size.

Despite its increasing popularity, there are few published works about floating and floating collections. Virtually no one has addressed critical long-term issues like core collections, material selection, and weeding after floating has taken place.Floating Collections: A Collection Development Model for Long-Term Successmakes all of this urgently needed information available in one place.

This unique guidebook defines floating, explains the pros and cons, explores the impact of floating collections on collection work, and enables readers to establish a floating collection in any library. Not only does this book help librarians to decide rationally if, how, and when to float, it also outlines a how-to process for maximum success based on the real-world experience of many systems and identifies ways to maximize the advantages of a floating collection. In addition, the author addresses common collection concerns and outlines workable solutions for problematic issues that can arise.

[Barrett] argues that floating is a service to communities, is fiscally responsible for budget-strapped systems, and, in the end, a benefit to library staff. Chapters include tips on how to approach the practice with staff, how to ready facilities and collections, and, most importantly, how to manage new collections. Also offered are practical evaluations, FAQs, and a list of larger systems in the United States that offer floating collections. School Library Journal

With many libraries exploring floating collections, Bartlett's book is a useful primer on the process and should be on the reading list for any library looking at floating. Technicalities

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