What works for your neighbor may not fly in your library!

Things to consider:

• Paperback vs. Hardcover - it's the same old argument
  • Teen Preferences
    • Readers will read any format, many prefer hardcover.
    • Non-readers prefer paperback.
  • Library Concerns
    • Hardcover lasts longer (but covers age).
    • Paperback is cheaper to get/replace but shows wear fast.
    • Not all books make it to paperback.
• Good Literature vs. popular books.
  • Books by respected authors do not always appeal to teens.
    • Paul Zindel's older books are hard to sell but his new ones often fly off the shelf.
  • Teens (like most adults) don't care about award winners, they just want a good book.
  • Popular books can fall in and out of popularity quickly.
    • Titles/series that were popular 2 years ago may not be touched today.
• R-E-S-P-E-C-T your audience & give them what they want/need - no matter how you may personally feel about the subjects.
• INDIVIDUALITY - not all teens will want/need the same materials, one size does not fit all!

No matter how you decide to build your collection  - have a collection development policy in place!

Not only can a collection development policies help if you ever have a challenge, they can also help focus your decisions when purchasing or weeding.