Book Discussion Kits
Submitted by lbradley on Fri, 07/15/2016 - 16:52
Type of Pilot Project:
Public Service
Describe Project and Impact:
This project is to create book discussion kits for use within our libraries.
Project Description and Expected Outcomes:
This project is to develop a selection of book discussion kits targeted toward our adult book discussion programs throughout our system. Each kit would contain 10-12 copies of a title, a facilitator's guide including discussion questions, book summary, author biographical information, professional reviews, list of readalikes, and a bookmark template (so libraries can print bookmarks with the date and time of their discussion). Kits could be reserved by a librarian in advance of their discussion which will enable members to receive a copy of the next read at each meeting. These copies would be checked out to members for four weeks. In-system benefits are a reduction in the time needed to prepare for the program each month and knowing there will be enough copies available to meet demand of the group members. There are several benefits for members of our discussion groups: instant gratification of leaving with the next read in hand; not having to locate a title on your own time; and not having to return a book before you meet to discuss it.
This project could be expanded to include kits for children, and teens. Also, kits could be offered for individual members to check out to use with book discussion groups.
Why should we select this project?:
As librarians, we limit our selections to titles in which there are at least eight or more copies in our system. Yet, if we plan too far in advance, copies which we had counted on, have been withdrawn. The current two week check-out without a guarantee of renewal for a meeting four weeks later can be a deterrent. By offering copies at meetings with a guaranteed four-week check-out could increase attendance at our current book discussion and perhaps increase the number of book discussion groups throughout the system.
Constraints, Limitations, or Dependencies:
Kit selections would need to be replaced every few years to refresh the collection which could be implemented on a staggered schedule thereby reducing replacement yearly replacement costs.
Source of Inspiration:
Partner/Supporting Departments:
Materials Selection
Outreach
Performance Indicators:
Market Penetration
Environment:
Library
Experience:
Collection Anywhere
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