Technical Services

BEHIND EVERY ITEM, THERE’S A PROCESS

Technical Services works behind the scenes to build, organize, and maintain Lawrence Public Library’s collections. From selecting and acquiring new materials to cataloging and preparing them for the shelves, the department helps ensure that Library resources are easy to discover, access, and enjoy.

What We Do

Collection Development & Acquisitions

We coordinate the selection and purchase of books, media, and other materials for the Main Library and South Lawrence Branch, helping build collections that reflect the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational interests of our community.

Cataloging

Every item needs to be accurately described and organized before patrons can find it. Technical Services catalogs Library materials and ensures that records in the catalog are clear, consistent, and searchable.

Processing & Preparation

New materials are prepared for public use through labeling, covering, barcoding, and other processing steps before they are placed on the shelves or made available for borrowing.

Periodicals & Ongoing Collections

The department manages the receipt and processing of magazines, newspapers, subscriptions, standing orders, and other materials that arrive on an ongoing basis.

Our Responsabilities

The Technical Services and Acquisition Department of the Lawrence Public Library is a major unit of the library itself.

The Technical Service Department staff is responsible for:

Acquiring materials for all areas of the library and its branch.
Cataloging all or some material for both locations.
Checking-in periodicals and other material on subscription or standing order
Managing an acquisitions budget from City, State, and private funds
Processing of all materials

The Lawrence Public Library recognized its responsibility to have available a representative selection of materials on subjects of interest to its users. The library’s objective in selecting materials for its users is to make available a well-balanced collection that satisfies informational, recreational, and cultural needs from early childhood through adulthood.