Amendment to state law will help university libraries

Not many things sadden a librarian more than having to throw away a book. But it has been a necessity of doing business at Milner Library and all state university libraries because thousands of new books arrive each year, and shelf space is limited for older, out-of-date and unused books.

But thanks to the determination of Milner Associate Dean Dane Ward and the helpfulness of State Rep. Dan Brady, Gov. Pat Quinn on Aug. 14 signed into law a bill that allows state university libraries to sell books withdrawn from their shelves and use the proceeds to purchase new books and other library materials.

According to Ward, Milner Library normally discards hundreds of books every year. However, in recent years, that number has been in the thousands. Some are just old or in bad shape or no longer used by students and faculty. Others, for instance books in the health or medical field, include old or inaccurate information. Milner has a thorough system of regularly evaluating the usefulness and value of its books.

When Ward joined the Milner staff seven years ago, he took the lead in arguing for a law that made more sense. When he explained the situation to Dan Brady, Brady essentially asked Ward to write what became the essence of the final bill. Ward’s persistence will result in a savings at Milner and all other state university libraries.

The bill amends the State Library Act and the State Property Control Act, which had severely limited university libraries’ ability to make space on their shelves without having to throw books into the recycling or garbage. Now they can sell these books at public book sales or to book dealers or make an exchange with book dealers or with organizations.

“This change in the law could save the State of Illinois about $1 million a year,” Ward said. “Before, it was a difficult process that had many librarians throughout the state upset and confused. It involved circulating an itemized list of these withdrawn books and sending the list around to other universities, schools and public and not-for-profit agencies. There were so many obstacles and no options other than just putting them in the trash.

“With this change, we now have a no-lose situation,” he said. “The books can be sold, making them available to other audiences while also raising funds for the library. Representative Brady was just great in helping make this change. When we explained the situation to him, he thought the amendment made perfect sense.”

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