Library collection management and development policy

Collections management

6.1 The library management system used in Lancashire is ALTO, provided by Education Software Solutions. 

6.2 Books are usually delivered to each library fully serviced by the supplier, and shelf ready. They have a protective jacket to prolong shelf life, a unique barcode identifier, a spine label with classification number or fiction genre, an internal sticker with date of purchase, and a label to allow the item to be stamped on issue. The individual barcode allows each item to be linked to a borrower's library account when issued.

6.3 Books are shelved and displayed by branch staff and are grouped and arranged to allow easy access by customers and to encourage borrowing.

6.4 The collection is reviewed regularly by staff to ensure that it is current and in a suitable condition for public lending in accordance with agreed stock management guidelines.

6.5 The collection is refreshed and circulated through the principle of dynamic stock - transferring most items to the library to which they are returned, regardless of the branch of origin.

6.6 The service subscribes to an online collection management system which links with ALTO to run reports for each library. These enable staff to move items to where they are most needed, using performance-based evidence. This increases book issues and overall stock turnover