This easy-to-use, comprehensive guide shows how to establish a floating collection in any library-regardless of type or size.

Despite its increasing popularity, there are few published works about floating and floating collections. Virtually no one has addressed critical long-term issues like core collections, material selection, and weeding after floating has taken place. Floating Collections: A Collection Development Model for Long-Term Success makes all of this urgently needed information available in one place.

This unique guidebook defines floating, explains the pros and cons, explores the impact of floating collections on collection work, and enables readers to establish a floating collection in any library. Not only does this book help librarians to decide rationally if, how, and when to float, it also outlines a how-to process for maximum success based on the real-world experience of many systems and identifies ways to maximize the advantages of a floating collection. In addition, the author addresses common collection concerns and outlines workable solutions for problematic issues that can arise.

Checklists for various stages of the floating process

Frequently asked questions for staff members

A bibliography of publications on floating collections, covering websites of floating libraries, PLA presentations, articles, and listserv archives

An index covers major topics, libraries described within the text, as well as interviewed individuals