There are many things I really like about my job. As librarians, we spend a great deal of our time helping and teaching people. At times this can be a challenging career, but almost always an incredibly rewarding one. One major way we serve our community is through the materials we purchase for our collection. Spending time with patrons and learning what their interests and needs are is a huge contributing factor when selecting materials to add to our shelves.
If you have ever wondered who purchases all the adult books, movies, etc. for the Andrew Carnegie Free Library — well, I’m the guy.
Our library system in Allegheny County is pretty big. In fact, there are actually 46 libraries in the association. Each community served by a library is made up of unique and varying demographics from area to area. What may be in demand here at the library in Carnegie may garner no interest at all up the road at Scott library. Being able to do the purchasing – and being good at it – takes time and dedication. And it’s a lot of fun!
There are many valuable resources available for librarians to tap into when purchasing collection materials. Using our circulation software, one of the first things I do is run a report called the “High Demand Hold List.” This allows me to see what materials have the highest number of holds placed on them so that I know what is popular at our library as well as county-wide.
Running this list is a bit disheartening for me at times. Over the years that I have been doing the library’s purchasing, I have watched the hold numbers gradually going down on paper-based items. As technology constantly advances and changes, folks are reading more and more on devices instead of actual books. This has also begun to affect DVD circulation, as people are turning to streaming services and other digital ways of entertaining themselves. I’m kind of an old-fashioned book guy.
Keeping up with bestsellers is vital as well. So, I am constantly checking the New York Times Best Sellers lists. I receive catalogs from book and movie distributors, and I comb through every page of these looking for new releases and unique items that may pique the interest of our patrons. I read book reviews from a few different reputable services, and I also like to spend some time on the Good Reads website to get a feel for how the general public is reacting to literary works.
I especially value my interactions with patrons. When I’m out at the circulation desk and checking out holds, I am paying attention to what you are ordering and looking for. When we are discussing the latest series that you binge-watched or the last book you tore through in one sitting, I’m listening very carefully.
If you are looking for something specific and can’t find it in our holdings, or you would like to see more true crime books, etc., I want to hear from you! Call 412-276-3456 or send me an email at wyrickn@einetwork.net if you have requests for items we could add that would improve your user experience with the Andrew Carnegie Free Library.
Keeping you happy keeps us in business!
Nate Wyrick is the assistant library director/facility manager at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.