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Our reading groups choose their own titles to read.  We have a database the library staff can access on the library intranet site.  They put in the title of the book the group wants to read, how many copies and the month they want it for.

Bibliographical services staff get an email when this happens.  They either reserve the copies from our own stock or more usually buy copies to meet the requirements of the reading group.  We provide the number of titles required.  Bibs services staff manage all the work - acquiring, sending out, checking back etc.  The details of the book remain on the database for approx 6 months after the group has read it. 

The database now has approx 85 titles on it, so it has also become a suggestions tool for reading groups - if they see a title on the list they would like to read, they can see which months are 'free' and can make a 'booking' directly onto the database.

If a title has not been selected for approx 6 months, the copies are distributed back to branch locations.

We give the copies of books we are holding for reading group use a non branch location while they are in Bib Services.  This means they can't be reserved directly through the reservation system.  This keeps the collections intact, but does impact on available copies for individuals to reserve.  Having said that, since we often buy sets solely for reading group use, there will always be ordinary copies on branch shelves.

To view a copy of the current database click here.