Skip Navigation
Back to Navigation

Centralized to Branch-Led Material Selection

← Back

Centralized to Branch-Led Material Selection

Palm Beach County Library System

Operations & Management | 2023

Innovation Synopsis

For some years, the Palm Beach County Library System had operated under a centralized selection model. While efficient in terms of staff time, branch staff regularly provided feedback that material provided wasn’t meeting their needs. A rigorous consultation process was undertaken where all processes were examined with fresh eyes with an intent t

Challenge/Opportunity

Beginning in the mid-2000s, PBCLS had migrated from an older branch-led selection process to a centralized model based in Collection Development. Each year branch staff would provide feedback to Collection Development on material and topics that were in demand along with suggestions about what to provide less of. Collection Development staff incorporated feedback that was provided, but branch staff still felt their needs were not being met.


Key Elements of Innovation

Beginning in mid-2021, PBCLS began a consultation process with Mr. John Huber, author of various titles relating to improving efficient in library service. An extensive interview process was undertaken, stakeholders from throughout the library system at all levels were recruited to serve on a committee to examine all aspects of material selection, procurement, and distribution. The committee met on a weekly basis, examined reports and data, interviewed vendors and other outside entities, and issued a recommendation to


Achieved Outcomes

PBCLS was successfully able to distribute all selection lists back to the branches as of January of 2023, a process which began back in April of 2022. Branches now have near complete control over what material they order for their local populations, resulting in fewer dead-on-arrival materials. In March of 2022, we had 5.16% of fiction and 19.47% of non-fiction dead-on-arrival. As of March of 2023, one year later, 5.11% and 17.04% dead-on-arrival. This is not only saving the taxpayers money and providing for a more