The Toolset
The EBSM Toolset is used extensively within the methodology to drive performance improvements in line with targets that have been set at a local and system wide level.
The core EBSM Tools are arranged into five distinct groupings, known as EBSM Stages, which are arranged into a clear logical sequence as follows:
| Step | EBSM Stage | Sequence Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maintenance | It is vitally important to get the catalog into a state where the EBSM Toolset can operate most effectively |
| 2 | Demand | A primary concern is to ensure that items available on shelves meet popular demand to reduce as much as possible the problem of future lapsed users. The Demand Tools achieve the outcome of better collection relevance. |
| 3 | Refresh | The next concern is making sure that the library is offering fresh items that have not been seen by patrons before to give them the perception of a dynamic collection that does not stand still. The Refresh Tools achieve the outcome of better collection quality and relevance. |
| 4 | Removal | Once the issues of Demand and Refresh have been managed, the removal of items that are not moving or are in a poor physical condition will increase the customer's general perception of the overall quality of collection provision. The Removal Tools achieve the outcome of better collection quality. |
| 5 | Selection | Finally, replenishing items that have been removed or that are still underrepresented through evidence based selection will maintain the library shelves with high quality, relevant books. The Selection Tools achieve the outcome of better collection quality and relevance. |
collectionHQ, a collection performance improvement solution based on the EBSM methodology, provides a number of Action Plans for each of the EBSM stages.