Hi

 

This was forwarded to me as I maintain the Reading Group Collection in Hertfordshire.

We keep our collection in a central (non-public access) location. It mostly consists of previous bestsellers that we think will appeal to groups. We do not purchase titles specifically for it. Approx twice a year we refresh it. It offers a solution to 2 issues for us:

 

1.      We have ready made sets of books that are easier to gather than staff putting multiple reservations on copies that are held in libraries. Of course groups are not obliged to borrow solely from here. Also, if they need a quick alternative to a title for their upcoming meeting we can supply something from the collection easily.

2.      We can make better use of old ‘hot picks’ instead of them clogging up library shelves. For Hot Picks, we buy multiple copies of the titles in the best seller lists for our bigger libraries for 1 week loans, in addition to copies on standing order for 3 week loans. Once demand has died down we are left with ‘warm picks’ in libraries which we then call in for our reading group collection if suitable, ie we wouldn’t include James Patterson but we have Jesse Burton etc.

 

I hope that’s useful. Do let me know if you require further information.

Thanks

 

 

 

FYI – see  emails below

 

 

 

Hi Nikki,

 

Here in Nottinghamshire we haven’t had specific Reading Group collections for some years as it was very time consuming to manage. I’m attaching our RG Guidelines for your information.

 

Kind regards.

 

Fiona Littlewood.

 

 

A couple of year’s ago I asked the list about Reading Groups and charging.  As a result Cambridgeshire introduced a Reading Group Annual Fee which provides group with up to 12 item reservations per month. Reading Groups don’t pay the reservation fee on these items.

 

In the past our Reading Group stock was refreshed from stock that had completed a rotation schedule which could result in stock that was not in good condition or not enough copies to create a set. We don’t use this system anymore and as a result our Reading Group stock needs an injection of new stock.

 

My query now is about the management of stock for Reading Groups.

 

Do other library authorities have dedicated stock for Reading Groups?

If yes, what are your selection criteria for Reading Group titles?

If no, how do you manage Reading Group requests for items that have reservations?

 

I will summarise any replies for the list. Thank you,

 

Nikki

 

Nikki Cooper, Stock & Distribution Coordinator, Cambridgeshire Libraries
Stock & Distribution Team, Roger Ascham Library Site
Ascham Road, Cambridge CB4 2BD
Tel: 01223 699115

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