[ILL-L] RE: Books arriving from lender damaged due to age

[Robinson, Arthur]

To answer your last question first:  if we find a book requested from us is in REALLY bad shape, we'd probably let the request go on to the next library.  But if it's an 1857 book that isn't likely to be available in many places, or we're last in the lender string, I'd probably either e-mail the other library to explain the situation, or if there's no e-mail address, I'd conditional or send it with a note explaining the situation and restricting the book to in-library use and no copying (unless it's not rare and in such bad shape we'll probably withdraw it).

 

When I get an old book from another library that's in poor condition, I'm grateful to get it at all.  In most cases I'll probably restrict it to in-library use (even if the lender hasn't) and keep it at my desk, asking the patron to see me.  (If it isn't a rare book, I'll ask the patron if s/he would prefer me to request another copy.)

 

I try always to make a note of books being in poor condition, both when we receive then (so I'll know it isn't the patron's fault) and when we lend them (so we won't blame the other library).

 

I wouldn't repair an item before giving it to a patron or returning it.  The "repairs" might decrease the book's value.  (Just borrow a shabby first edition of a Dickens novel from a collector, rebind it for him or her before you give it back, and see what sort of gratitude you get.)

 

Arthur Robinson (GLG)


________________________________

From: ill-l-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of Beth Willis
Sent: Fri 7/6/2007 11:41 AM
To: Interlibrary Loan Listserv
Subject: Books arriving from lender damaged due to age


Lately I've been seeing a lot of books come through here from lenders that are really not fit to circulate; e.g. the text block is entirely pulled away from the spine.
 
Is there a protocol for this? Do you repair such items before circulating to your patron? Do you let them go out as is? (There is no way the lender wasn't aware of the condition of the material before sending it. Or, do you return them to the lender and submit a new request for the patron?
 
My *real* question is: Why do libraries let stuff go out in this condition? :-?
 
 
 
Beth Willis
ILL Department Head
bwillis at mcpl.lib.mo.us
Phone: (816) 521-7231
Mid-Continent Public Library - http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us <http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/> 
Unless explicitly attributed, the opinions expressed are personal.
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