The St. Paul Library Board held a discussion Monday of the library system’s policy for disposing of books, magazines and historical documents. While no vote was taken, library director Kit Hadley promised to come back with a more detailed version of the current guidelines on eliminating materials so the board can officially vote on them as a policy.
More on the debate over what books to trash or donate was published in the Pioneer Press, here.
The discussion was held in part at the urging of library and “open government” advocate Rich Neumeister, who appealed to library board chair, Council Member Chris Tolbert, to intervene after noticing old magazines getting tossed.
Tolbert obliged. At the discussion, Tolbert said no books specific to St. Paul should be disposed of, and he expressed concern about decisions over what to retain potentially landing in the lap of a single staffer. (Given how many books are challenged or banned throughout the U.S., let’s hope that staffer doesn’t have a grudge against the Hunger Games, right?)
Hadley nevertheless emphasized that outdated books on how to file for divorce in Minnesota or file taxes circa 1982 probably have no place on the shelves, and other materials can be obtained through loans or referrals.
The discussion is especially relevant as the library system opens new or newly remodeled libraries in SunRay and Arlington Hills, and contemplates $1 million in improvements at the St. Paul Central Library in downtown St. Paul. Yes, materials will get added, tossed or moved around, so expect changes. The juvenile collection, in particular, is poised to grow.
Neumeister expressed concern about the library ditching copies of the old film fan magazine Photoplay from the 1930s through the 1960s. The mag ceased publication in 1980.
Here is Neumeister’s plea to Tolbert in full:
Councilman Tolbert:
I spoke with you in the past about concerns I and other residents of St Paul have had about the future of the St Paul Library collection. The St Paul Library collection has a depth that many libraries do not have in fiction and non-fiction books/magazines, and historical information. This is accomplished from clippings in files to binding of magazines from decades ago. It also has a depth of books of history which was written at the time which give insights of the period. I could go on and on.
It appears that the Library management has been starting to get rid aspects of the magazine collection which has gone back to the beginning with some titles. I wanted to review some titles which I know where available in recent past,but I was told by staff that they have been withdrawn. When I start to ask questions they do not care to tell me.
I reviewed the draft “collection management policy” but it is very general. It also does not make sense to approve a policy when either the public or the Library Board has knowledge or idea of the depth of the collection.
I have spoken directly in the past with Ms. Hadley on this matter……but what I basically get thrown back at me is that our Library is not a “archival” library. Agree, we are not the National Archives or state archives, BUT we have a collection of material that people want to be able to have easy access to and use which is different than an “archive”
I had recent conversation with Architectural historian Jim Sazevich. He indicated to me that he accessed material for his research, but they are no longer available.
Before this policy is adopted I encourage you and the Library Board to ask for an inventory of what the Library has particularly at St Paul Central. Secondly, what are the specific guidelines used to delete material from the collection. Thirdly, what material or collection has been withdrawn from the Library, not necessarily individual books, but historical material such series of magazines, etc.
Over the past several years the Library Board has been more of a group that meets once a month, sometimes even cancelling their meetings over the past year, meets for a short time and lets the Library system go on on overdrive themselves.
I was involved in pushing for the Library Board at the Minnesota Legislature. It seemed that the Board was going to play a role in seeing that the Library system was going to be a way for residents to be able to give input in the “institution” that many St Paul people love.
Thanks for listening and your initiative to have the discussion before the Board on this matter. As the digital age races on, the St Paul Libraries are changing, but that doesn’t have to mean withdrawing, throwing away, getting rid of material that people still want and use.