[Libs-Or] Dealing with Self-Published Titles

[Patricia Skinner]

Thanks to all you responded about how you deal with self-published titles. Your input will be helpful when writing up procedures and training staff.  You're the best!
Here is my original posting and the responses I received.

Original Posting
We get a large number of requests to add titles to library collections that do not have standard cataloging records.  Many of these are self-published.  Several requests are from local authors who may or may not have had their books edited or reviewed.  Do you accept the work of local authors when their work does not meet your selection criteria?  How do you deal with cataloging challenges of such titles?

Responses
At Hillsboro we decided that we would not purchase self-published materials. However we will include them in our collection under the following guidelines:


1.     The item must be donated to the library

2.     The item must have unique local interest or meet local demand

3.     The item must meet the guidelines of the overall Collection Development Policy

4.     Materials that are donated will be accepted by the library with the understanding that they will be evaluated and treated using the same criteria as purchased materials. Donors may not place any special conditions upon the loan or handling of the items. All donations to the library will be subject to all provisions of the Hillsboro Board Policy on Gifts.
We have a cataloger on staff that does the original cataloging on these titles
Karen
Karen Mejdrich
Technical Services/ Collection Development Manager
Hillsboro Public Library
Hillsboro OR
503-615-6500

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From: Kathy [mailto:kathymuhm at gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 7:27 AM
To: Patricia Skinner
Subject: Re: [PY] How do you deal with self-published titles?

I read all the self-published book submissions (usually it's the author, or the author's parent, who wants us to add these).

Then I decide, and I give the person the exact reason I'm not adding it, if that is my decision.

98% of the time I don't add these books, but I occasionally do add them. I don't REQUIRE that they have professional reviews, but I do mention that as a factor in my decision to reject a book. But that's never the sole reason to reject.
 --
Kathy Muhm
Westfield Library, NJ

We too get a lot of requests to add/purchase self-pubished titles. We have a written collection development policy statement that includes the requirement of two positive professional reviews (italics are mine) and folks can always refer patrons to this. We have found that it is easiest for branch staff to refer the problem to me (as the youth collections person) so they don't have to personally turn down their favorite patron. It makes the process much less personal. So, a children's librarian will get the request and politely tell the patron that she will pass on the full information. I take a look at the book/website/flyer/whatever and reply by e-mail that we so appreciate their inquiry but because we have limited shelf space and can not add everything, we abide by our collection development policy. If they push, I suggest they send the book to professional review sources so that they too can be considered... In rare cases a branch will add the title self-published by a favorite local person but NOT catalog the item. Instead they will slap on a generic barcode so the book can be checked out but not reserved through the catalog. We don't make everyone happy, but they do feel treated equally.


Maeve Visser Knoth

Youth Services Librarian

Atherton Library

2 Dinkelspiel Stations Lane

Atherton, Ca 94027

650-328-2422

I have been wondering how to deal with this issue as well. Some self-published donations we receive are okay but others are of poor quality. I have been trying to figure out how to politely decline some of these offerings without telling them that their book isn't any good! There is common belief that we should support local authors and I agree -- to a point.

If you get any helpful suggestions, I would love to hear them. Thank you!

Julie Bonser, Head of Youth Services
Eastern Monroe Public Library
1002 North Ninth Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570-421-0800 x14

We accept donations of self-published books by local authors if only to add them to our local history archives.  You never know; one of them might end up famous, or infamous.

Cataloging is a different issue, as I find original cataloging on Evergreen to be exceedingly aggravating.

-Bob in Milton-Freewater
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We read and review them and add only those that meet our standards. We will accept a physical copy or a pdf for review. We do not give books back. Most don't make the cut and we provide a copy of the review to the author.

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Thanks again!

Patty Skinner
Astoria Public Library
Senior Library Assistant
pskinner at astoria.or.us<mailto:pskinner at astoria.or.us>
503-298-2451

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