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From: Sharon Lawrence <lawrencs>
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 10:55:09 -0500
I havent responded to Jean Mendozas posting until now because I want to weigh my words very carefully. My interest in this discussion has very little to do with a certain people group. I have stayed on CCBC-net because in the past the discussions about a particular book have been insightful, I also value the book award discussions. Lately, the discussions have geared to the publishing industry. That isnt of interest to me. The point I was making was that I wouldnt buy any book just to fill a need if the book is of poor qualityno matter what the topic.
We are a medium-sized library in the western suburbs of Chicago, and if you believe the HAPLR ratings (American Libraries, September 1999), one of the ten busiest libraries in the country for a town our size. One of the reasons I think we are so busy is that we give our patrons the best of what is available. We look to review journals, to fill gaps in our collection. We add to the collection when material fills a need or is of the best quality.
We buy books based on reviews because that is standard practice for libraries. If we didnt buy based on reviews, how would we get the books? Among other things, buying books based on reviews gives librarians a back up if a book were being challenged. Perhaps someone out there in CCBC-land [publisher, journal editor, KT?] can better explain the process to Jean.
Sharon Lawrence Downers Grove Public Library
Received on Fri 29 Oct 1999 10:55:09 AM CDT
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 10:55:09 -0500
I havent responded to Jean Mendozas posting until now because I want to weigh my words very carefully. My interest in this discussion has very little to do with a certain people group. I have stayed on CCBC-net because in the past the discussions about a particular book have been insightful, I also value the book award discussions. Lately, the discussions have geared to the publishing industry. That isnt of interest to me. The point I was making was that I wouldnt buy any book just to fill a need if the book is of poor qualityno matter what the topic.
We are a medium-sized library in the western suburbs of Chicago, and if you believe the HAPLR ratings (American Libraries, September 1999), one of the ten busiest libraries in the country for a town our size. One of the reasons I think we are so busy is that we give our patrons the best of what is available. We look to review journals, to fill gaps in our collection. We add to the collection when material fills a need or is of the best quality.
We buy books based on reviews because that is standard practice for libraries. If we didnt buy based on reviews, how would we get the books? Among other things, buying books based on reviews gives librarians a back up if a book were being challenged. Perhaps someone out there in CCBC-land [publisher, journal editor, KT?] can better explain the process to Jean.
Sharon Lawrence Downers Grove Public Library
Received on Fri 29 Oct 1999 10:55:09 AM CDT
