Monitoring book reshelving in libraries using statistical sampling and control charts

Maintaining library books in their proper locations is resource intensive. Typically shelf reading, where library personnel inspect every book on the shelves, is used to identify and relocate improperly shelved books. We propose a statistical approach to determine when shelf reading of books is necessary. We use sampling to obtain data on misshelved books over time. A control chart is used to assess when shelf reading is necessary. These statistical tools will provide library managers with cost-effective approaches to monitoring and implementing reshelving activities.