Replacing Library Books

[nunheadmum]

Much to my horror, my youngest tore 2 pages out a library book yesterday. The book was on it's last legs but we certainly dealt it the final blow.

Does anyone know if you can simply give the library a new copy of the damaged one or does that mess up their systems? I can imagine Council departments have budgets and processes and a simple nice new book could over-ride X number of controls and not be allowed. Or maybe they'll just say thanks very much for being honest and appreciate a new book. Anyone know?

[Ruth_Baldock]

Hiya, I work in a library (albeit a law one where the books are about ?400 each) but when this happens, patrons contact the library manager directly to report the fault/replace the damaged book. They'll probably send you an invoice, because they properly source all their books from the same supplier etc. Also damaged books still say in the 'system' but are labelled in the acquisitions software as 'damaged' and are usually stocked away. New material all has to be processed through, and approved, that way. Hope this makes sense!

Hope

[Mellors]

My beastly children dropped one of my library novels in the bath the other day. I dried it out and shamefacedly took it back to Dulwich. The chap couldn't have been nicer. He said they normally charge you (the price of the book is on the system), but he just let me off. Try smiling sweetly?!

[nunheadmum]

Thanks Ruth. I'll call them and check it out. I suspected they'd have preferred suppliers etc.

Mellors - I really don't mind replacing the book. It was one of my youngest's favourites when she was little so I'd sort of feel bad if others didn't get to enjoy it. I think I just feel so bad as it was our first trip to the library and doing this just isn't the way we normally treat books. DD1 is so good with books, most of hers still look new. I've got to get used to DD2 not being of the same mould! Maybe if I smile sweetly they won't make me feel too much like a bad mother of selfish kids who don't appreciate their books.

[Sally81]

I think it's lovely that you care Nunheadmum. I was in a library with my nephews (not in London) a few weeks back and one lady was laughing at her toddler ripping up books as if it didn't matter. She didn't try to stop him at all. I don't think everyone treats library books with as much respect as you and yours do...not that I think the majority are like the lady I saw, either!

[Fuschia]

I have just replaced lost books a few times. first time I misunderstood instruction, subsequently because I realised the cost via amazon was a tiny fraction of the charge suggested. usually mail someone called brian, c

an give you his details. afraid we have lost or damaged quite a few in the last few years

[nunheadmum]

Fuschia - not sure if it would be the same person as books came from Nunhead library? Yes, I imagine the library pay more than Amazon costs. Seems a shame if they aren't making the money go as far as it could but then, I imagine lots of small book suppliers depend on libraries and the likes to stay in business....and don't really want to see Amazon taking over the world.

[Fuschia]

brian cape is in central library somewhere

take your point re amazon but i once saved ?55 reoplacing a lost cd, yes fiftyfive quid!!

[Moos]

It does make sense in a way - I doubt they charge users only for the cost of the replacement, but add a levy to disincentivise people* from taking or damaging books.

*Kids on the other hand....

[Ruth_Baldock]

Yes, unfortunately what Fuschia said is true! I recently invoiced someone for well over ?600 for a book and admin charges and shipping fees etc. They worked for Olswang, so the company paid and I imagine it was a drop in the ocean...

[Fuschia]

Anyway,the following person is very nice and has sorted out various requests, complaints, lost books for e over the years anbd if you ask if you can just drop in a replacement he has always agreed and that is mostly what I have done. Also cancelled my fines a few times (child in hospital etc)

[email protected]

He works in the central librrary admin somewhere