What Happens to Books No One Checks Out: Library Management and Sustainability
Libraries play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge, but with limited budgets and space, they must often make difficult decisions about what books stay in their collections and what goes. When books are not checked out or requested anymore, libraries have specific processes to deal with them. This article explores how libraries handle these unused books and the impact of their management practices on sustainability.
Library Weeding: A Periodic Process
Libraries have a process called 'weeding,' which is a periodic evaluation of the collection to determine which books to keep and which to let go. This process typically involves analyzing the usage records, such as how many times a book has been checked out, to decide if it is worth maintaining in the library's collection. Weeding helps libraries maintain a balanced and relevant collection, ensuring that the most-used books are kept while allowing them to make room and save money for new acquisitions.
Outdated Books and Classics
Depending on the book's status, libraries may take different approaches. Classics, such as War and Peace or To Kill a Mockingbird, are usually kept in the hope that they will still be of interest to patrons. Fiction and out-of-date non-fiction, however, may be discarded. This decision is often based on whether the content is still relevant. If a book is too old or in poor condition, it might be removed from the collection and eventually discarded, as the information may no longer be accurate or useful.
Options for Discarded Books
Unused books are often offered to various charitable organizations or recycled. Many libraries have partnerships with local charities that accept these books for donation. Another option is to hold book sales, where the community can purchase these books. These sales help generate funds that can be reinvested into the library's programs and procurement of new books. Popular library book sales often feature a variety of discarded books, such as hardcovers, paperbacks, and even DVDs and CDs.
Library Book Sales
Regular book sales are a common practice in many libraries, where they sell off titles that don't circulate as much. Some libraries, like the one I work for, now sell their discarded books online through a vendor. This online platform allows for broader reach and easier access for potential buyers. These sales often offer books at very affordable prices, sometimes as low as 25 cents for softcovers and up to a dollar for hardcovers.
Disposal of Extremely Old and Damaged Books
In some cases, books that are extremely old or in very poor condition must be discarded. This process is not always easy, especially when it involves books with sentimental value. However, libraries have a professional duty to maintain collections that are both valuable and accessible. For non-fiction books, if the information is outdated and no longer relevant, they may be discarded to make room for more modern and relevant materials.
The process of discarding books is a complex one that involves balancing historical and cultural value with practical considerations. While it may be difficult to part with beloved or historical books, the overall goal is to maintain a library that is useful, accessible, and financially sustainable for the community it serves.
Conclusion
Libraries play a vital role in the dissemination of knowledge and the preservation of culture. They must carefully manage their collections, including the disposal of books that are no longer in demand, to ensure they can continue to serve their communities effectively. Through processes like weeding, book sales, and donations, libraries strive to maintain a relevant and useful collection, while also ensuring that their operations are sustainable.