July 11, 2012
The National Acquisistions Group has produced the following statement on the disposal of books.
NAG is a professional and not for profit national organisation for people responsible for or interested in the acquisition, management and development of library resources in libraries of all types. It is run by its members for its members.
NAG produces impartial good practice guidelines and standards relating to its core purpose. It offers opportunities for education and training, knowledge sharing and networking through its annual conference and a regular series of regional seminars and workshops.
NAG is a voice for everyone associated with library and information resources – librarians, information officers, publishers and service suppliers – providing leadership and a source of shared expertise for its membership.
The process of stock selection and stock disposal is part of the day-to-day work of libraries. They buy and dispose of stock in line with their policy, usually based on the industry standard guidelines from NAG.
Public Libraries are charged through the 1964 Public Libraries & Museums Act to provide a wide range of appropriate and relevant stock to meet the needs of their customer base.
It is important that stock which is out of date or no longer in a fit condition to be offered for loan is removed from public access. The disposal of stock varies, some authorities sell to customers, some try to use charitable institutions and some items are sent to be pulped. The decision to discard is strictly regulated through published policies and is carried out by library professionals with many years experience.