Questions and Answers to Get You Started
Why do an inventory? Learn your collection, identify gaps, and document missing items and need for replacement. Use the process to identify items needing repair and items that should be discarded.
Should I weed before I start? Weeding is a very important part of collection development and can be done before, during or after an inventory. It's important to be intentional in the process. This lib guide from the NYC School System can help
What part(s) of the collection should I inventory? Should I do it in sections, or inventory the entire collection? If you can't do the entire collection, choose sections or ranges that are the most active; this is where there are likely to be damaged or lost items, miss-shelved items, items missing labels, or items missing altogether. An advantage to doing a complete inventory is to have a the entire collection accurately defined in the event of a natural disaster.
What staff and volunteers are available for inventory? Librarians who teach often lack the time to perform the task on their own. Availability of assistance can help you decide whether to inventory sections or a full collection. If using volunteers or staff, be sure that they are provided their own Destiny credentials with correct access levels.
Should we check shelf order before doing inventory or as I do the inventory? If you or an experienced volunteer or staff member are doing the scanning, it may save time to shelf read as you are doing the inventory. If experienced helpers are working on the project, you may find it helpful to shelf read beforehand.
Do I need any equipment? Inventory used to be a more complicated task than it is today. You need a laptop or Chromebook and a scanner. RILINK has a few extra scanners that we can loan schools who need them.
What questions do you have about your inventory? Other people have had the same questions. Check out Follett's Inventory FAQ
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