How Libraries Acquire Books: The Role of Purchases and Donations

Libraries use a variety of methods to acquire books, combining both purchases and donations to ensure they have the resources to meet their communities' needs. This article explores the key methods used by libraries in the United States, from direct purchases from suppliers to community donations, and how these methods contribute to the overall inventory.

Book Purchasing: Suppliers and Retail Sources

Most larger libraries or library systems in the U.S. have adopted a more specialized approach to book acquisition through ‘book suppliers’. These suppliers provide a range of services beyond traditional purchasing, including hosting library binding, adding call number barcodes, and RFID/Tattle Tape stickers. The process often involves purchasing books at a discount from publishers, which are then sold to bookstores and libraries.

Libraries purchase books at about a third discount from a network of businesses known as “jobbers.” These jobbers buy books from publishers and sell them to retailers, including both independent bookstores and library suppliers. For larger purchases, libraries often use suppliers who can provide these additional services, enhancing the overall quality and utility of the books in their collection.

Digital and Physical Resources

Libraries offer a wide range of resources beyond just books. They can purchase e-books and audiobooks, in addition to physical books. Public libraries also have funds to budget for serials (periodicals), audiovisual materials, and sometimes even space for book exchanges. They often collaborate with friends groups, which raise funds for additional copies of popular titles or special materials.

Libraries might also apply for grants to develop specific parts of their collection to support special interests and programs. Additionally, they can benefit from regional consortia where patrons can search the catalogs of multiple libraries, allowing sharing of resources and reducing the need for each library to own every title.

Direct Purchases and Author Donations

Libraries can purchase books from various retail sources such as Amazon or Barnes Noble. However, for specialized or niche topics, libraries can also contact authors or publishing companies directly. Many publishers offer discounts to libraries, which can provide significant savings on books. The exposure to an audience that might not be reached online can also be beneficial for authors.

For instance, Cividale Publishing has a special buying program tailored for libraries. By contacting them, libraries can take advantage of this program and secure books at a discounted rate. This not only reduces costs but also increases accessibility to a wider audience.

Community Contributions and Restrictions

While libraries welcome the contributions of the community, they must also manage the practicalities of accepting donations. Many public libraries have specific rules regarding book donations, including space limitations and the condition of the books.

For example, some libraries might accept books from staff, but not from the general public, to ensure that the books meet their quality and condition standards. The Cividale Library, for instance, no longer accepts general donations because they could not manage the sheer quantity and condition of these books. The library emphasizes their focus on acquiring books that are in good condition, relevant to current interests, and useful for their community.

Public libraries in the U.S. are also part of regional consortia, which allows patrons to search and access a wider range of resources. This system ensures that the collection is diverse and beneficial to the community.

While magical fairies might sometimes bring in unexpected books, the reality is that most libraries carefully curate their collections through a combination of direct purchases, author donations, and strategic community partnerships. This careful management ensures that the community has access to relevant, high-quality, and well-maintained books.