Better World Books or similar options for deaccessions?

[kkilpatrick]

Hi all,

We're in the process of revising our old collection development policy and in reviewing other institutions' deaccession policies, we saw some have used Better World Books for weeded materials. 

Are there any VCCS colleges who have used BWB or a similar option before, and what were your/their experiences (worth it or not?)? Also, considering this is deaccessioned state property, are there any policy issues in working with a third-party like that, that would prevent it from even being an option?

Thanks for any insight you all can offer!

Kerry
kkilpatrick@lfcc.edu

[jwalz]

I have used BWB at another institution - not here. It is a great service, but requires a bit of work to sort out what they WILL accept. They do pay though. So, I am not sure how any library in the VCCS can make use of them. We were told we could only put out in the lobby for free our de-accessioned items. Is this not so?? Unless of course the library just drops them off at a donation box?

[mhanlin]

I've never used BWB as a librarian, but when I was in Peace Corps they did ship me a packet of quality children's books.  So, IMO, they do do good work, but they are also selective with the books they keep. 

Tangentially related, would any one be willing to share their weeding processes and procedures (not policies).  I'm interested in whether other libraries inform faculty before weeding, etc.

[buttramc]

I've never used BWB as a librarian, but when I was in Peace Corps they did ship me a packet of quality children's books.  So, IMO, they do do good work, but they are also selective with the books they keep. 

Tangentially related, would any one be willing to share their weeding processes and procedures (not policies).  I'm interested in whether other libraries inform faculty before weeding, etc.

Mary, in one our big weeds (seems like a lifetime ago) I had some real success with asking faculty to assist us with weeding. Several of them came in and identified titles they considered out of date and suggested replacements/updated editions and also helped identify some holes in the collection. I focused on art/ photography, business, tech, chem, bio, geology, and nursing/medicine. I hope to try it again someday!

[jdessino]

Hi all! I recently got my TCC email back (as an emeritus professional faculty). Even though I am retired now, I sometimes feel the need to act like I'm not and today I thought I'd see what you all have been up to since I retired in October.

I know this thread is a bit old, but I wanted to mention that TCC explored the option of Better World Books back in 2015. Given the restrictions on what we can do with state property, you have to get permission to use BWB.  I don't know if they still are, but PVCC was working with BWB. Here is the info I received in 2015 from Avie Thacker, "Our Business Office did have to obtain permission from the state to discard books through Better World Books.  The Business Manager contacted the DGS Surplus Property Director who sent a letter to us stating that it was permissible to use the Better World Books program.