1. Librarians love
local authors and want to promote their books, usually through book talks,
signings and even local author stickers on said books.
2. Libraries will
accept donated books by local authors. The conditions are the book must have a
quality binding (no spiral bound bindings), be edited (no spelling or other grammatical
errors) and individual preference (for example, if the librarian feels the book
would be a good fit for their library).
3. If you write
nonfiction, you would be wise to pay attention to the state curriculum. The curriculum
does change and librarians find a shortage on books relating to the new
curriculum. (Contact your librarian for contact names regarding state
curriculum.)
4. There is usually a
shortage of picture books relating to current social issues. For example, books
on parents going off to war.
5. Publishers won’t
sell directly to the libraries. Books are purchased through distributors (Baker
& Taylor), chains (Barnes & Noble, Amazon) and other consortiums.
6. After an eBook has
been read by 26 people, the libraries must repurchase said eBook if they
want to offer it to the public. eBook distributors claim after 26 readings on a checked-out book, the book has to be replaced (repurchased) therefore the same rule should apply to digital copies. Side note: there are a limited number of
digital copies/book available. (Who knew!)
7. If seven people
request a book (and the library system doesn't own it), they must purchase said
book.
8. Libraries cull their
inventory by using the following criteria: condition of the book, relevance of
subject matter, educational value and why would anyone want to read it. You’ll
find these books on the For Sale table.
9. Public libraries
don’t ban books. They follow the ALA (American Library Association) rules which
state libraries must allow the public access to all books, be open and free to
the public. There is no censoring or restricting of books from the public.
10. When a book is not returned (stolen), the euphemism is “borrowed
without benefit of card.”
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