At our library we are have a real dilemma regarding self-published
books. On the one hand, our selectors are well aware that many of them
are pure crap and don't really belong in any library. On the other
hand, we will purchase almost any title a patron requests, even if the
author is the person making the request.
We will usually purchase one copy to fill a patron request, and watch
the circ figures.
If an author has contacted us trying to get us to buy a copy of their
book, we will ask them to donate a copy for consideration with the
understanding that we may not put it in the collection. Once we have
the book in hand the selector makes the decision to add it to the
collection and/or buy additional copies. If we don't want the book, and
the author provides return shipping, we'll send it back. Otherwise it
goes to the booksale.
George Flexman
Manager, Order Service Section
Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library
317-275-4716
fax: 317-269-5319
-----Original Message-----
From: acqnet-l-bounces_at_lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:acqnet-l-bounces_at_lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of
acqnet-l_at_lists.ibiblio.org
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 11:27 AM
To: ACQNET-L_at_lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [ACQNET-L] acquisition policy for self-published books
Dear Colleagues,
I am hoping that you will consider sharing your formal or informal
policy on acquiring self-published books. By self-published I mean
subsidy/vanity press books, books that were self published through print
on demand services, and books for which that the author has assumed all
production tasks.
If you have added any self-published books to your collection, would you
please indicate the total number of books that you have added in the
number of years? For example, "I have added one self-published book in
the 4 years that I have had collection development responsibilities."
Any thoughts are appreciated. You may reply directly to me at
tomaiuolon_at_ccsu.edu , or to the list if you think this is of general
interest. Thank you for your assistance.
Nicholas G. Tomaiuolo
Elihu Burritt Library
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, Connecticut
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Received on Thu Jul 29 2010 - 00:52:29 EDT