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Assistant Library Director Lexi Riley outlines collection strategy as circulation edges up
Summary
At the Davenport Public Library board meeting, Assistant Director Lexi Riley presented the library’s collection-development approach, reporting a 2% increase in FY25 circulation and detailing selection criteria, vendor changes and steps to maintain diverse, high-use collections.
Assistant Library Director Lexi Riley told the Davenport Public Library Board of Trustees that the library is using data tools and staff expertise to shape what goes on its shelves and online, and that the approach is yielding modest growth in use.
"We checked out a total of 526,507 items in FY25," Riley said, adding that figure represented a 2% increase over the previous year. Riley told trustees the library added 22,624 physical items last year and that the largest single materials line item is ebooks, currently costing more than $100,000 annually.
Riley described the collection-development policy that trustees review every three years. The policy directs selectors to follow the Library Bill of Rights and to aim for a balance of viewpoints. She said selection decisions weigh accuracy, relevance to Davenport patrons, demand, cost and availability from vendors. "Selection for an item does not constitute that we endorse its contents," Riley said, noting the policy's intent to provide a broad range of perspectives.
Riley said the library relies on reports from its integrated library system (Polaris) and CollectionHQ to inform purchasing and weeding. CollectionHQ reports indicated the juvenile nonfiction “dead item” rate fell from about 52% to 16% after staff began scheduled collection review, she said. The library uses those reports alongside librarians' local knowledge to decide whether to replace, move or withdraw items.
Riley explained the practical workflow for acquisitions: selectors add items to vendor carts (now primarily Ingram after Baker & Taylor ceased operations), note processing and building destination, and acquisitions places the orders. She described efforts to make new items visible to patrons — new-book displays now show the month items were added and remain on display for six months.
On reconsideration, Riley said patrons who are Davenport residents may submit a paper Request for Reconsideration form available at any branch; a review team including the director and relevant supervisors researches the request, the item is not removed during review, and patrons may appeal to the board. "Once the board decides then that is the final word and we are not able to reconsider the title again for two years," she said.
Trustees asked whether physical media such as DVDs and CDs are being phased out in favor of streaming. Riley and Director Jeff Collins said decisions depend on circulation trends and availability; staff also must consider patrons without home internet access when planning changes.
Riley closed by underscoring the library’s commitment to reflect the community and to use both tools and staff judgment in acquisition choices. The board did not take action on collection policy at this meeting; training and discussion were presented as informational.
The board adjourned after the meeting completed its agenda.
