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© 2026 LUCi by SOLUS - v 1.7.2.1

Stock Management Policy

 

This document sets out policies and objectives for the selection, maintenance, presentation, and performance of library stock. It provides a framework which encompasses how stock is purchased, edited, and managed.

 

Contents

 

Purpose of this document

 

Legislative framework

 

Corporate priorities

 

Library strategy service objectives

 

Key principles of stock management

 

Policy on censoring stock

 

Stock allocation policy

 

  • What we stock, and where
  • Donations
  • Duplicates
  • Local Studies stock

 

Acquisitions policy

 

  • Budget
  • Online subscriptions
  • E-books and e-audio
  • DVDs and CDs

 

Stock selection policy

 

  • Adult stock
    • Adult fiction book selection
    • Adult non-fiction selection
    • Adult book stock selection criteria - what we stock
    • Adult book stock selection criteria - what we do not stock
    • Adult replacement stock purchase
  • Children's stock
    • Children's book selection
    • Children's book stock selection criteria - what we stock
    • Children's book stock selection criteria - what we do not stock
    • Children's replacement stock purchase
  • Stock ordering processes
  • Reservations lists
  • Reservations and inter-library loans

 

Accessibility and alternative formats

 

  • Audiobooks
  • DVDs
    • DVD selection process
  • CDs
  • E-books and e-audio

 

Staff responsibilities and training

 

  • Stock Champions' responsibilities
  • Frontline staff

 

Stock editing

 

  • Performance monitoring
  • Stock circulation
  • Stock removal or relocation
  • Stock maintenance report schedule
  • Last copies
  • Withdrawn stock
  • Damaged items

 

Presentation and reader development

 

  • Presentation, promotion, and marketing
  • Reader development
  • Children's reader development
  • Online promotions
  • Book groups
  • Public library catalogue and My Library app
  • Quick Reads
  • Fresh Start
  • Feel Better with a Book (Read Aloud groups)
  • Reading Friends

 

Policies for special collections

 

  • The Gibson Specialist Collection
  • The National Jazz Archive
  • Dorothy L. Sayers Collection

 

Policies for stock recovery and security

    A-Z of Library Services

    Our library locations and opening times

    Summer Reading Challenge

    Join the library

    Reserve, renew or return an item

    Our Online Library

    Using our libraries

    Our mobile and home library services

    Everyone’s Library Service 2022-2026

    Stock Management Policy

    What We Stock

    Facilities charges and loan charges

    Accessibility Statement

    People's Network Acceptable Use Policy

    Wi-Fi Acceptable Use Policy

    Information for authors and publishers

    Purpose of this document

    Legislative framework

    Corporate priorities

    Library strategy service objectives

    Key principles of stock management

    Policy on censoring stock

    Stock allocation policy

    Acquisitions policy

Stock Management Policy | Our strategies, policies and terms | Libraries | Essex Library Service