Student Training

Shuffling

   A library’s collection is not static. Books are constantly being added, weeded and sometimes an entire collection needs to be moved. When we move large sections of books we call it shuffling.

Supplies

• Cart
• Bookends
• Cleaning Supplies
•  Shelf Marker

Note: There are a few occasions where you will need to replace shelves or reposition them. Ask the Library Assistant before you do either of these.

Do not shelve any books on red shelves.

When a smaller area is to be shuffled the directions below will vary slightly because of the number of items that need to be moved. The Library Assistant will inform you regarding any changes.

 Procedure

1. In most cases it is best to start at the end of the section and work towards the beginning.

2. Clean the shelf on which you are going to place books and continue to clean as shelves empty.

3. Move books down in call number order to the open shelf; fill it to about 1/2 full.

4. Continue to move books onto the second to the bottom shelf leaving that and all middle shelves about ¾ full.

5. Carefully proceed from shelf to shelf and unit to unit, always bearing in mind call number order.

6. Keep an eye ahead so you do not have to reshuffle when you come to an end-to-end section or a section that is sparsely populated.

7. Stand back and evaluate your work as you proceed so the shelves are equally loaded.

8. When you are done, you may need to make a few adjustments. Check spine distance from the edge of the shelf, tightness of the books and do a quick shelf read to make sure that all are in order