Collection Development Webinar Series Schedule

This line-up looks fantastic and YSS's own WLA Board Liason, Sue Abrahamson of the Waupaca Public Library is presenting in September on collection development. Those who attended the YSS Member Retreat in January got a first-hand look at Waupaca's collections (I loved the juvenile non-fiction - it looked fresh, relevant, and inviting). Also, if you are at a smaller library where you may do collection development in multiple areas, you're sure to find these other topics essential. For instance, YSS Board Member Elizabeth Timmins is part of the panel on Adult Selection Tools.

5-Part Collection Development Webinar Series
Sponsored by IFLS, MCLS, NFLS, NWLS, OWLS, SCLS, SEWI, SWLS, WLS, WRLS, WVLS
REGISTER for one, all five, or anything in between! All sessions will be recorded.

April 19, 10:00-11:00 am: Making Your Collection Count
Presented by Holly Hibner and Mary Kelly. 
Make your collection count! We will discuss collection development policies that balance popular with well-rounded content, reflect diversity and inclusion, and provide methods for dealing with (and avoiding) challenges. This session talks about how to measure a collection's quality. This includes the benefits and methods of taking a physical inventory, analyzing collection procedures and workflows, and the life cycle of a collection. Our holistic approach to collection management will help all types and sizes of libraries to keep pace with the demands and expectations of their communities.

May 12, 1:00-2:00 pm: Adult Selection Tools
Presented by Sarah Statz Cords, Michael Nitz, and Elizabeth Timmins.
Learn some tips and tools for keeping on top of selection, including a focus on nonfiction, non-traditional resources, and how to make things work in a small library.


September 7, 1:00 -2:00 pm: Tips for Building a Well-Rounded Collection for Youth
Presented by Sue Abrahamson and Shelly Collins Fuerbringer. 
How do you keep on top of the avalanche of materials being produced for kids and teens? How can you make sure you are finding the best materials for your collection and your community? Collection budgets are rarely as big as we want them to be, so how can you make the best use of resources? And what about the salespeople? Join Shelly Collins Fuerbringer (Eau Claire) and Sue Abrahamson (Waupaca) for a lively discussion of the tips and tools they recommend.

October 26, 10:00 – 11:00 am: Data Informed Collection Development
Presented by Shanneon Grant. 
Do you like language and stories far more than numbers and statistics? Do your feel like data is dull and uninspiring? Get ready to change your thinking and begin uncovering the clues that data can reveal for you! Join us for an exploration of Data-Informed Collection Development. (It is so much more exciting than it sounds…) It’s NOT about fancy data collection tools, it IS about using the basic data you have access to help you make informed decisions when developing and maintaining your collection. It’s about interpreting your data, rather than just blindly following the numbers. It’s about discovering correlations and connections that drive planning and decision making.

November 3, 10:00 – 11:30 am: Promoting Your Collection: Merchandizing and More
Presented by Kathy Dempsey. 
Collections are the mainstays of libraries. After spending lots of money and time curating, processing, and making them available, you may think the work is done. But there’s one more vital step—promoting them! This final webinar of your series will help you go beyond basic book displays and posters. You’ll hear about using book talks and shelf-talkers, and will learn ways to publicize your collections outside of your buildings. This webinar will focus most on merchandising—what it really is, and how to do it effectively enough to boost your circulation. It will feature many colorful photos of great signage and merchandising from libraries around the world to get your creative ideas flowing.