REFERENCE - Pool Collection - FAQ's

Q. How are titles added to the collection?
A. Titles are added in two ways: 1) They are purchased with funds donated by participating libraries; 2) Multiple copies (of at least 10 paperbacks) may be donated to the collection by a library.

Q. What is a "participating library? "
A. Each year, Suffolk's libraries are polled and are asked to contribute $100 to the pool collection fund to purchase new titles. The libraries contributing to the fund are the participating libraries.

Q. What is the money used for?
A. The money is used strictly for the purchase of paperback titles to be added to the collection.

Q. Who decides what to add?
A. Participating libraries do. Approximately twice a year (depending upon how much money is left in the fund mid-year), contact people at participating libraries are asked for suggestions. Participating libraries are sent a list of suggestions to vote upon. Titles receiving the highest number of votes are ordered.

Q. What titles are in the collection?
A. Lists are available. One is arranged by author and the other is arranged by title. Copies are available from Diane Eidelman, 286-1600.

Q. Who may borrow the books?
A. Books may be borrowed by any library for use by their book discussion group. However, libraries to the pool collection fund will have the express privilege of borrowing asterisked (*) titles for the first year they are part of the collection.

Q. How do libraries book a title?
A. Simply call Diane Eidelman at 286-1600 to request a title. If Diane is unavailable, bookings may be made through Lorraine Rossano, Special Collections, at the same telephone number.

Q. How far in advance should a title be booked?
A. In order to facilitate your needs, we suggest calling at least one month in advance of the date you want the books sent (not the program date).

Q. How long may books be kept?
A. Libraries may use the books for 4 - 5 weeks. It is suggested that requests be made a month in advance of the actual program which will allow time for patrons to read the book.

Q. How do I check out the books to patrons?
A. Each book is numbered by SCLS. A check out sheet is packed with the books that are shipped. This sheet may be use to check books out to your patrons.

Q. How do I return the books?
A. Repack them in the carton in which they arrived. Use the return labels that were sent with the shipment. If the carton is no longer available or the labels are missing, pack them into a box addressed to: Special Collections, Lorraine Rossano. Mark them "Pool Collection Returns." There are times when all the books are not returned at the same time, please return the ones you receive and the others as they come back.

If there are any other questions, please feel free to contact Diane Eidelman, SCLS, 286-1600 ext. 1335 or e-mail diane@suffolk.lib.ny.us.