T04 - Out of the Basement: A Conversation About the Future of Collection Development in Public Libraries
Session Description
Generously Sponsored By: Library Services Centre
Public library collection development and acquisitions have traditionally been quite separate from other library functions, figuratively and often literally “in the basement.” In this panel discussion, speakers will discuss ways to move out of the basement, at least figuratively, to a more collaborative and user-focused collections services approach. This discussion will focus on models for selection and collection development, collections innovations, and the future of library collections. Three to five panelists will be recruited from a variety of libraries, including both large systems and small libraries in BC. Panelists will discuss changes in how patrons are using library resources, current usage and future directions for digital resources, and innovative types of collections and lending models.
This session will also discuss ways to increase patron input into library collections and a move towards increasing community-focused and community-led collection development. Panelists will discuss their visions for what library collections mean and include, as well as the move towards a more collaborative, less siloed approach to collection development and maintenance.
Libraries represent diverse communities with different needs, and speakers will discuss the variety of ways that they are handling the changing nature of library collections. This will be an interactive session that will include audience involvement and questions.
Speakers
Amy Ashmore, Surrey Libraries
Biography
Amy Ashmore is a Collections Services Librarian at Surrey Libraries. She has previously been a Youth Services Librarian and Adult and Teen Services Librarian, and has been actively involved in library collection development throughout her career. Amy is one of the developers and past Chair of the BCLA Mentorship Program. She is a current organizer of Out of the Stacks, an informal networking group for the local library community, and an active community volunteer.
Rina Hadziev, Greater Victoria Public Library
Biography
Rina Hadziev is the Collections & Technical Services Coordinator at the Greater Victoria Public Library. Throughout her career she has worked in both public services, technical services, and collections, and has selected in many subject areas and formats. Rina is passionate about providing excellent collections and loves the challenge of introducing new and unusual collections.
Rebecca Burbank, Powell River Public Library
Biography
Rebecca Burbank is the Assistant Chief Librarian at the Powell River Public Library where she is responsible for shaping collections. Currently, she is preparing to move them into a new library space. She also has experience working with special collections from her time in Montreal’s Dr. Henry Kravitz Psychiatry Library. Her professional interests include community development through outreach and nixing fiddly work.
Chris Middlemass, Vancouver Public Library
Biography
Chris has managed a wide range of Vancouver Public Library services, collections and units, including branches and Central branch departments. She currently manages the Selections, Acquisitions, Cataloguing and Resource Preparation units, and Interlibrary Loan Services. An active member of the BC Library Association, she is past Conference Chair, Treasurer, and board member. Chris has been involved with the iSchool at UBC (School of Archival, Library and Information Studies, SLAIS) as an alumni member supporting students and the school, and as an adjunct instructor in the areas of management and human resources.