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Just Say YE$ !. Donation$, Discard$, Sale$. The Challenge:. Libraries are constantly confronted with what to do with ‘unwanted’ books – be they from a well-intended donor, or withdrawals from the collection.
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Just Say YE$ ! Donation$, Discard$, Sale$
The Challenge: • Libraries are constantly confronted with what to do with ‘unwanted’ books – be they from a well-intended donor, or withdrawals from the collection. • Develop strategies to make the most of these materials: add them to the collection; earn dollars; develop partnerships AND create good will for the library.
Two prong Problem • Withdrawals: We’ve spent lots of money on these books, but no one is using them… and we need space! • Donations: how can we deal with them? We don’t have the staff and storage, but we don’t want to ‘put off’ well-meaning donors, either!
…and one more problem • BUY-IN! • It is critical to have recognition from management that a proactive program to handle discards and donations is beneficial. • COMMIT to a positive response to the ‘problem’ – you CAN say ‘YES!’, if management recognizes the importance of this often over-looked opportunity.
Geisel Library Experience • Withdrawals • Donation Process
Geisel Library Experience • Donation Process • Book Sales
Marketing Ideas: Keep it Free! • Parent’s Day mailings • Signs around campus and sent on the van • Email to students, faculty, staff • Blog on the library homepage • Student radio station • Cable access news: Goffstown and Manchester • WMUR, WZID, NHPR • Goffstown News, Bedford Bulletin, Hippo • NHAIS-L • Craig’s List • Free Book Sale Websites: BookSaleFinder.com; BookSalePirate.com; BookSaleManger.com
Things we’ve learned: • Student Preview the evening before • Book sellers are our friends, but we need to educate them • Buck a Bag by the 3rd day • “Specials Table” can be very lucrative • Sometimes the PR from a book sale can be as good as the proceeds themselves!
Alibris Online book sales • Geisel began in 2009 • Cost was $19.95 for basic account (no annual fee) • We pay $1/book plus 15% commission • We are reimbursed for $3.99/item for shipping • Use Bookfinder.com to assist in pricing • Useful to make desk time more productive
Other Ideas? • Before the book sale consider the NHAIS list! • Before the book sale: make partners with other libraries. • After the book sale, reboxsome for next year – good stuff often gets overlooked. • Check in with local schools, and consider inviting teachers and librarians to shop at your book sale for free. • Develop far-flung relationships. Get further buy-in with campus (or community) groups to help with the cost of shipping. • Social agencies: Kid’s Café in Manchester. Nursing homes. Prisons– be mindful of their needs and requirements.
Disaster areas: Alabama may likely be in need. Check http://www.arsl.info/ (Association for Rural and Small Libraries) for specific needs. • Partner with agencies like the NH State National Guard… perhaps we could work together on something like this. • Contact art classes, and artists in the community. • Secular or religious organizations that will take books to send to schools in Africa and Asia. • Better World Books, Thriftbooks, BookMooch. Usually provide free shipping and support various charities. • Suggestions from the group: GotBooks.com; BigHeartedBooks.com; powells.com • What ideas can you share?
Saying ‘Yes!’ can: • Provide valuable material to add to your library collection; • Generate income to increase library purchases; • Create an opportunity to share resources with other libraries and social agencies; • Result in positive public relations and ‘good will’ for your library and college / community.
Thanks for your attention – please contact me with questions, ideas, collaborations… or donations! • Betsy Holmes • Collection and User Services Librarian • Geisel Library, Saint Anselm College • 603-641-7166 • eholmes@anselm.edu