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Readers' Groups : managing the stock

Calderdale Libraries support over thirty Readers' Groups. Some are run by library staff  in our branches : other external groups meet in homes, cafes, or the workplace. Groups range in size from eight to 20.

Groups that the library service runs all have a leader who is a member of staff. External groups are linked to local branch libraries, where a member of staff will act as "contact" and liaise with the Group leader. (Staff are most enthusiastic in their support of Readers' Groups).

Books for the various Readers' Groups are controlled by the Senior Librarian, Bibliographical Services (SLBS).

Most Groups choose to mainly read contemporary  fiction. Some Groups sometimes read older classics, or non-fiction. Two Groups only read crime fiction.

SLBS maintains collections of up to 20 copies of various titles considered suitable for our Readers' Groups. As we often buy multiple copies of titles nominated for literary prizes etc, these collections will include Orange Prize and Booker Prize nominations, and titles selected for the "Richard and Judy" programme.  Other collections may have originated from titles bought for circulating displays, or bought as part of a project such as our acclaimed "Reading and You Scheme", or bought as a result of suggestions from Group Leaders. These collections are kept in the Bibliographical Services Unit for up to two years, depending on use. Group leaders can select collections in person, or request them to be sent. Some Group leaders will accept most of the available collections, whilst others will have specific requirements, and not all titles will be suitable.

Some Groups make less use of the available collections - instead they send in "wish lists" of titles the members want to read in the coming months. If possible, SLBS will supply at least some titles on such wish lists. If we don't have enough copies we will consider buying extra - price and likely long term use will be factors. Groups are expected to request titles that are available in PBK, and to avoid new popular titles.

After a Group has read and discussed a book, the titles will often be displayed in the relevant Branch, with reviews from the Group. Reviews from the Groups are also placed on our website -
http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/libraries/books/readersgroups/index.jsp 

Some collections which have been bought as a specific request will be added to the collections held in Bib Services, and made available to other Groups. If SLBS does not consider that the title  has likely appeal to other Groups, it will be dispersed. The maximum time a collection will be held together is around two years, after which collections are dispersed throughout the system.