This Is Not a Dumpsite: The Problem of Evaluating Gift Books

After repeated efforts to streamline their gifts-in-kind selection and processing, librarians still face concerns over the small percent of books added and the amount of staff time required. The primary problem is that the purpose of the gifts program is to add reasonable and relevant materials to the collection, and too little of what is received fits that description. Resulting questions include whether the library needs to continue to receive gifts, and if so, whether there are ways to identify which books might be worth adding to the collection. To answer these questions, the authors reviewed circulation records of gift books acquired over a seven-year period and compared those lists with required reading lists for classes, interlibrary loan reports, and lists of financial donors. Results indicate that gift books do circulate, and that required readings lists can be helpful in gift book selection. Librarians are also encouraged to analyze circulation rates by subject on a periodic basis to hone their selection of gifts.