| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Save the libraries | |
| Posted by: | Hazel Dakers | |
| Date/Time: | 15/01/11 17:47:00 |
| When trained and qualified librarians are allowed to build up a bookstock to represent the needs of their community - some public libraries (I am uncertain about Hounslow)no longer do this themselves - a certain balance develops in the selection. Information books are chosen by credible subject specialists rather than simply to fill the bookshelves. In Brentford Library we used to have a Branch Librarian and a Children's Librarian who, as well as selecting stock were also trained to guide users. Poundland and Tescos stock the books they can buy in bulk and turn over at a low rate - ie they are selected by the publishers who are trying to sell them! Many of the reviews on Amazon have been discovered to be battle grounds between the supporters and those against particular authors - or sometimes even the authors themselves. In a professionally run library there is even handedness. |