Floating: One System One Collection

This article was conributd by JPL's Gretchen Mitchell, Assistant Director, Support Services:

“Floating” collections are materials purchased for the system rather than a specific location or branch. When the material is returned, it is checked in and remains where returned. Major advantages include reduction in delivery and less wear/tear on materials.

There are many reasons to use this collection management model:

• Increases materials availability
• Continuously refreshes collection
• Reduces wear & tear on items
• Extends materials budget
• Less to pack/Fewer injuries
• Customer focused

JPL’s committee was formed in December 2009 to investigate, evaluate and implement the floating collection. The committee includes Lynn Jacobson, Charlene Adkins, Jill Haile, Laura Minor, Valerie Mattair, Mark Hohnadel, Brad Jaskula, Ron Block, Mia Brack, Cheryl Callavini, Ann Fridl, Gretchen Mitchell (chair), Chiquita Powell, and Jim Burns.

The first phase of the committee’s work was researching best practices. This included developing questions for other floating libraries, making a list of those libraries, and contacting or visiting those libraries. The committee compiled a comprehensive list of public libraries that float all or part of their collection. It was agreed to gather information from across the United States, not restricting our research to Florida. The committee also included researching this model through articles, blogs, and websites.

Additionally, a Floating Committee Team Site was created on the City’s portal. It is available for all staff to view. It includes all minutes, notes, and other documentation. http://inside.coj.net/li/committees/floating_committee/default.aspx

Based on the information collected in the research, the committee determined that floating the full collection was beneficial and would work.

Now in the second phase of its work, the committee is planning for the implementation. Implementation will take place in two phases: 1)floating of media and 2) floating of all other circulating materials with some exceptions.

Three subcommittees are currently hard at work.
Collections/Standardization (these two groups are working together):
The Collections committee is tasked with reviewing and making recommendations for catch up and gap ordering, rebalancing and weeding activities and any collections exceptions to floating.

The Standardization committee is reviewing and making recommendations for locations, labeling, item types and related ILS issues.

The Communications committee is responsible for determining stakeholders and developing communication plans and staff training.

Watch the staff blog, the Floating Committee’s portal team site and your email inbox for continuing updates and information. Questions can be emailed to any committee member.