EVALUATING ADULT FICTION IN THE SMALLER PUBLIC-LIBRARY

A study of 195 small and medium-sized public libraries in Wisconsin provides insights into current practices in and concerns about evaluating adult fiction collections. The data collection methodology included both the analysis of published information on Wisconsin public libraries and use of a structured survey instrument. Key questions addressed in the study are: (1) Do public libraries systematically evaluate their adult fiction collections? (2) If so, how? (3) Are fiction paperbacks handled differently than hardcover books? (4) Does the library's primary role or mission appear to be related to its adult fiction? (5) What concerns do libraries have about evaluating their adult fiction collections?