2. Guideline
Libraries Tasmania aims to present a popular, current, and attractive lending collection comprised of non‑fiction, fiction, and non-book materials suitable for all clients age and interest levels, with a strong commitment to Tasmanian publications and a preference for Australian coverage.
The Lending Collection provides:
- Titles that are current, authoritative, and well written
- A range of classic fiction and non-fiction titles
- A wide range of materials that represent a variety of views and opinions, including controversial works, in both print and non-print formats
- Multiple copies of popular items to meet demand
- Tasmanian and Australian materials which reflect local community heritage.
Larger libraries, with wider population catchments and greater floor-space, are required to house a broad range of collection areas and material consisting of both popular works and those items which provide depth to the lending collection – more literary fiction and “books for curious minds”. These items by default may not circulate frequently.
Smaller libraries, which serve smaller communities and have minimal floor-space, focus on materials with high popular appeal. Items which do not circulate frequently are transferred to a larger library or to a stack collection.
The Lending Collection is supplemented by stack collections which contain titles of proven interest. Some examples of material included in the stack collections are excess popular fiction titles, Tasmanian items, and fiction and non-fiction classics.
The majority of the Lending Collection is a floating collection where the movement of items is facilitated by:
- A state-wide holds system
- A coordinated monthly transfer system
- The ability for items to be borrowed and returned to any library in the state.
This enables the ability to manage and curate lending collection areas on a state-wide basis, offering a wider range of titles than would be able to be offered if items were only purchased for individual libraries.