Library Distribution Guidelines

Hello,

Some of you have asked at different times about guidelines for library distribution. I did some research and found that the form used for many school evaluations ask you to put the total number of volumes in front of each section listed. Also they ask for a total number of titles (not including reference), total number of reference books, total number of denominational periodical subscriptions, and total number of secular magazine/newspaper subscriptions. The form has another page that gives a simple rubric for implementation in two areas:

1. Does the Media Center have a balanced collection of appropriate library materials?
2. Do personnel provide orientation in locating and evaluating information sources that support student learning?

According to the form that I have, it appears that ‘balanced’ is subject to interpretation. This is a good thing. I also did some research and found a source that has general guidelines for distribution of the library collection. Each section has recommended percentages for the Dewey sections. Keep in mind that these are general suggestions, not requirements. It would be interesting to check your collection and see what the percentages actually are. If you find that you are well below the recommendations, you might consider supplementing that particular section when you have money for it. If this is in your plans, it also looks good to the evaluation committee. You know where your library is weak and you have plans to improve it.

For a really quick check, look in the 000s to see if you have books on world records, and question and answer books.

Do you have books about libraries, friendship and friends, and computer information in the 100s?

We are all well over the recommendation for the 200s since we usually have lots of Bible stories.

In the 300s, you’ll find careers, military, holidays, ecology, immigration, recycling, study skills, language arts, manners, and much more.

The 400s include books on languages. Books like The First 1000 Words in Spanish or sign language fit in here. We’re usually pretty good with the 500s since we have lots on science, animals, and nature.

Most of us have plenty of books in the 500s, but do you have books on other sciences such as chemistry, math, physics, astronomy, earth science, paleontology, rocks and minerals? Try to include a wide variety here.

The 600s include technology, medicine, health, diseases, transportation, agriculture, pets, cooking, carpentry and building, plus the ever popular Lego books (in my library!).

In the 700s we have art, artists, drawing books, photography, games, recreation, sports, and jokes and riddles.

Most of us are doing fine in the 800 section and have plenty of stories and literature. Don’t forget that poetry also belongs here. See if you have any poetry books for children to read and enjoy.

We are usually doing well in the 900s, too. History and geography books belong here. At my school we separate out the biography into its own section and our schools usually do just fine in the Biography section, too. One thing to look for is atlases and maps.

Here is a table with some guidelines for distribution. (This information does not read as a table on the blog. I apologize.)

Dewey Subject Percentage of collection for K - 6 Percentage of collection for 7 - 12 Approximate # for a total collection of 4000 books (elementary)
000 – 099 General Works and Reference 2- 5% 6 – 8% 80 - 200
100 – 199 Philosophy, Psychology 0.5% 1 – 2% 20
200 – 299 Religion (Mythology) 1 – 2% 1 – 2% 40 - 80
300 – 399 Social Sciences, Folklore 5 – 10% 5 – 10% 200 – 400
400 – 499 Language 0.5% 2 – 5% 80 – 200
500 – 599 Pure Science 10% 5 – 10% 200 - 400
600 – 699 Applied Science 10% 5 – 10% 200 - 400
700 – 799 Fine Arts, Recreation 5% 5 – 10% 200 - 400
800 899 Literature and
Fiction 25% 25 – 35% 1000 - 1400
900 – 999 History, Geography, Biography 20% 20% 800
E Picture books 20 – 25% 800 - 1000


The table above was found in the book Administering the School Library Media Center, fourth edition, by Betty J. Morris, page 339. (I provided the number of books for your convenience.)

If you would like a copy of the form used for school evaluations, contact your local conference office. They can email this information to you.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Have a great week.
Audrey