Have you read all the books in the library?

You would be surprised by how many times I am asked this question. The answer is NO WAY! That would be impossible. Unfortunately for me, I am the slowest reader ever. Not to mention the collection consists of thousands and thousands of books–some of which I would never want to read. Not all the books in the library interest me. Now, have I touched every book in the library? Just about. Let me explain.

In order to really now the library in which I serve, one of the first tasks I try to undertake is establishing a current, viable, circulating collection. This means I need to look at each book and determine if it’s worthy of remaining in the library collection. To that end, it means I have to look at each book checking for wear and tear, scan its insides for the content and copyright, and finally enter that book into our library systemt to check the data about that book.

These are the reasons I would decide to keep a book: lots and lots of circulation. People are definitely enjoying this book because it is being checked out–often! The book has a current current copyright date, and the topic is applicable and of interest to the patrons. If the book is super duper old but it holds value for the library community, I will decide to keep it, but if the book is really, really old and never checked out, it’s taking up space in the library. I am hoping for books to be checked out–if there’s no interest for the book, it has to go. And presto! New room for a new book has been made!

So, no I haven’t read every book in the library, but I have looked at every book to consider its value for the library community. Does that count? I haven’t read every book, but I have touched every book!