[Publib] outsourcing Friends of the Library book sales?

[Rebecca Bronson]

Our Friends had a beneficial relationship with a local rare book for several
years (in the days before ABEbooks, et al. If he saw something over
considerable value, he would let us know and offer 40-50% of what he would
price it for in his shop. These days, we are very fortunate to have our
retired senior librarian and several others who search ABEbooks for
potential rare books and price them accordingly.

Rebecca Bronson
Reference Librarian
Handley Regional Library
P.O. Box 1300
Stephens City, VA  22655

540-869-9000 (voice)
540-869-9001 (fax)

www.hrl.lib.state.va.us


-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Laura Crossett
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2006 11:40 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] outsourcing Friends of the Library book sales?


One of the Friends groups in our system was recently approached by a
used/rare book dealer.  He'd recently bought a book for $1 at a Friends sale
and was selling it for $97, and apparently he feels kind of bad about this.
He has offered to go through the books the Friends receive (donations and
weeded books from the library) and sell those of value, splitting the
proceeds 50/50 (or perhaps more) with the Friends.

The Friends group is intrigued by the possibility but want to consider it
further.  Does anyone have a similar set up?  How does it work?  What kind
of contractual arrangement do you have with the bookseller?

Currently, the Friends do sell some books online on their own, although, due
to various complicated reasons, the actual selling is being done by a
library staff member, so one obvious advantage of the proposal is that it
would free up the staff member's time.

Thanks!

Laura Crossett
Branch Manager
Meeteetse Branch, Park County Library
2107 Idaho / PO Box 129
Meeteetse, WY 82433
307.868.2223 (phone & fax)
AIM: theblackmolly
Y!M: lcrossett


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