More on Fairfax Libraries
January 5th, 2007Davin sent me this statement from the Fairfax Library director:
“Recent media reports have misled readers to believe that we’ve eliminated all copies of classic titles from our branches. This could not be further from the truth. Although we occasionally have to trim the number of copies we offer in a particular branch, we definitely keep multiple copies of these works in the Fairfax County Public Library. In some cases, we’re even able to offer the text in multiple formats: in large print, on CD, as an e-book, or in languages other than English.”
“Because there’s a growing demand for more and more books in more and more formats, we have to balance the need to offer classic literature, and satisfy public demand, with the physical limitations of our finite shelf space. We are physically unable to warehouse every book that every resident may want to read. Therefore we have to make difficult decisions about what items to keep in our collection.”
Engaging the public. Beautiful. I think we all knew that the library wasn’t discarding ALL of their classics, but some. Many libraries get rid of old copies of classics. Those books can get really beat up.
Still, a note from the director of the library is a perfect way to engage and build community. Way to go!