--- In [email protected], "Kelsy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Many of the libraries in my county are screaming for more funding, but > membership/usage is way down. This is because many people have found out > that the local libraries toss book without trying to resell them and no > longer care to support waste.
That can't be the only reason! I don't know where you're from, but most statistics in the USA indicate that library use is up (partially due to the economy being down). Why do libraries toss books? There are several reasons. 1) The books are are outdated editions that have been replaced. The information is old and likely not desired by anyone. Or, it may be erroneous and could cause harm (i.e. medical information). 2) The books are damaged and not worth the cost of repairs. Sometimes this means that the library has purchased a new copy to replace it. 3) The library doesn't need the books anymore, or they are gifts that are duplicates of current holdings. Now, you could say that the library should sell the books or make them available for people to take rather than tossing them. Depending on the policies of the library or governing body, they may not be able to just give them away (i.e. State University libraries often can't give them away because they are considered to be government property). Selling the books may not be an option, either. Selling books takes staff time to price the books, set them out on public shelves, and manage purchase transactions. Not to mention the bookkeeping. If an outside organization like a Friends of the Library runs the booksale, often the staff are all volunteers, which is the only way they make any money to speak of. It may be that your library can't afford to sell the books, as strange as that sounds. Hope this clears up some confusion. If you see that your library is tossing books, ask them if you can take them instead. You can always pass them off to a charity shop if they turn out to be duds. Anna ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease? Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts! http://us.click.yahoo.com/rkgkPB/UOnJAA/Zx0JAA/wnIolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Have you told a friend today? http://bookcrossing.com/tellafriend Archives and email list settings: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BookCrossing Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BookCrossing/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
