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INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9469
February 14, 2012
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: LIBRARY FLOATING COLLECTIONS
The purpose of this informal report is to inform
Currently, library customers can request books, CDs, DVDs, and other materiany Fort
Worth Library location and have them delivered for pickup to the library that is most convenient to
them. They may also return these materials to any library location. Each week day, library
couriers pick up and deliver materials to all 16 locations. Analyses have shown that
approximately half of the materials in the
returned to their home library, and that these materials can be
three days while they are being transported back home.
When collections are floated,
is. Many large library systems, including FWL benchmark libraries Charlotte-Mecklenburg County,
NC; Columbus, OH; and Multnomah County, OR; float their collections successfully. Reported
benefits include:
Immediate increase in material availability
Reduction in courier traffic ranging from 40% to 60%
Less wear and tear on materials
More efficient use of materials budget
Less staff time required to process incoming and outgoing shipme
Perhaps the most important benefit is that as members of the com
materi
interests. Libraries that float their collections report that t
new, interesting materials.
The Library will set up and test the process with several small collections, including large pr
music CDs, and juvenile fiction, from February through April, 2012. After successful testing and
staff training, the remaining collections will be phased in throughout 2012. With the exception of
periodicals, reference books, career materials at eSkills Library and Job Center, and materials in
float. Fort Worth Library materials will not float to its MetrOPAC client libraries, although
materials will still be loaned to these libraries in accordance -local agreements. To
prepare collections to float, the Library will adjust its normal
weeded before they begin floating. Weeding is the standard library p
outdated, and unused materials in order to keep the collections
space for new materials.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9469
February 14, 2012
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: LIBRARY FLOATING COLLECTIONS
Library staff discussed this new process with the Library Advisory Board at its December 1, 2011,
meeting. For further information, please contact Library Direct-392-
7706.
Tom Higgins,
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS