Introduction to Books Not Allowed in Public Libraries

Libraries have long played a crucial role in fostering an open exchange of information. However, not all books are created equal, and not all books are suitable for public access. This article explores some of the books that are not allowed in public libraries and discusses the guidelines and exceptions that govern their acquisition and management.

Library Acquisitions and Management Policies

Libraries often organize their collections by reading management programs, including grade or age levels, or they may restrict access to certain materials. These materials are often labeled as 'locked case,' 'adults only,' 'restricted shelf,' or added to a 'high-demand' collection. This approach helps ensure that appropriate and accurate information is available to the intended audience.

Acquisition Policies in the U.S.

In the United States, each public library can create its own acquisition policy. While a system policy might provide guidelines, individual libraries can decide what genres of books they will or will not acquire. For instance, hardcore pornography is almost universally not acquired, but many libraries will also refrain from acquiring harlequin romances.

Case Study: A Physics Crank's Book

During my tenure on the library board, we received a challenging case. One month, the city librarian presented a book about a 'physics crank' to the board. A 'physics crank' refers to someone who believes they have discovered a new universal constant or theory, akin to Einstein's groundbreaking work, but is scientifically baseless. The book was essentially nonsense, with no valid content that made sense. This is unfortunately not an uncommon situation; authors who insist their ideas are new and revolutionary often become defensive when challenged.

Public Complaints and Library Board Decisions

A member of the public had complained about the inclusion of this book. The librarian believed I had the necessary background in the subject to verify the book's validity, so she asked for my opinion. I confirmed that the book was indeed ridiculous and advised against further discussion. Ultimately, while 'nonfiction' books that are complete fabrications and self-published may not meet the library's criteria, the book in question had somehow initially made it into circulation.

Library Donation Policies and Acceptance Criteria

Library donation policies vary widely. Some libraries accept donations while others have strict criteria. Generally, the following items are typically not accepted:

Textbooks (often used in specific education settings) Periodicals Obsolete formats (e.g., 8-track tapes or VHS tapes) Damaged items (suffering from extreme wear, tear, mildew, rot, mold, water damage, or animal damage) Personally reproduced items (e.g., photocopied pages in a notebook) Old encyclopedias Dilapidated paperbacks Publisher advance copies marked 'not for resale' Homemade mix tapes, CDs, or DVDs Stuffed animals, puppets, and personal effects Old technology (e.g., TVs, stereos, computers) Personal photo albums and pictures

In some cases, certain items may have value in special collections if they are rare or have historical significance, such as yearbooks, historical photographs, or antique books.

Conclusion and Contact Information

Public libraries work diligently to maintain high standards of content and accessibility. If you have books you wish to donate, contacting your local library is the best course of action. They will provide guidance on what they can accept and how to make the donation useful and valuable to their community.

Related Keywords

Public Libraries, Book Restrictions, Library Acquisitions, Donation Policies, Book Management, Library Guidelines