CDL: % of books not found in an inventory? (Responses 1-2)

From: John P. Abbott <AbbottJP_at_appstate.edu> Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 14:42:10 -0500 To: Colldv-l <colldv-l_at_usc.edu>

[original post followed by responses.]

Hi,
Does anyone know of a "typical" rate of books that are not
found during an inventory? For example, might you expect to have 1%
that you can't find? 5%? I know it will vary by how long it's been
since your last inventory, the subject matter, etc, etc.
Thanks,
     Julie C. Blake
     Collection Management Coordinator and Asst. Professor
     LR&TS, St. Cloud State University
     320-308-4756
     jcblake_at_stcloudstate.edu

==#1==

Subject: Re: CDL: % of books not found in an inventory?
From: Ellen Dambrosio <edlmt_at_yahoo.com>

I've been told that 1-2% loss is "typical," but I can't give you a 
written source for that--just the info passed on to me by a previous 
mentor. I have personally experienced about a 1% loss in the middle 
school where I did inventory every 1-2 years.
Ellen

==#2==

From: Lori Schwabenbauer <lschwaben_at_holyfamily.edu>

I sure hope the 80-20 rule doesn't apply here!

- Lori

Lori A. Schwabenbauer, MSLS
Director of Library Services
Holy Family University
9701 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA  19114