The worst books at your library
While I'm hesitant to kick libraries when they're down, I couldn't pass up the chance to share the Awful Libary Books blog.
Created by two Michigan librarians, Mary Kelly and Holly Hibner, the site chronicles the absolute worst books discovered on library shelves. We're talking The New York Times' 1985 guide to the return of Haley's Comet, a Star Power manual, outlining how to use obsolete computer programs I've never even heard of, and a 1962 book about what man will do when we reach the moon someday.
As Kelly and Hibner point out, these books aren't bad per se, they're just horribly outdated and could now actually be harmful for anyone trying to find information they can actually use.
Anyone here want to use a medical tome about AIDS that's about 20 years out of date? I didn't think so.
The best part is, they're always looking for more material. So the next time you find a book that makes you giggle, roll your eyes or even head for the trash can, snap a picture and send it to Awful Library Books where we can all "enjoy" it.
Comments
These books would not be considered "awful" by a historian of science. A little perspective, please!
Very true. However, most people are not science historians. They're just going to the library for some information they can use.
Nancy
Posted by: Dahlink | July 7, 2009 3:16 PM
Hmm... Taking them out of the library gives the feeling though that these books are completely worthless, which they are not (and not only because they make us laugh!). Perhaps there should be a section in the library for the seriously outdated? Dewey decimal number: -300s.
Posted by: Biblibio | July 8, 2009 7:54 AM
As a librarian, I'm conflicted about this blog. Librarians have to be very careful about censorship and imposing their own views on the collection. Outdated medical information is one thing but what about labeling a book "bad" because you don't like the language used or the sewing patterns are "not stylish enough." Part of being a librarian is weeding the collection. Happens everyday.... not sure you need to make a blog of it.
Posted by: Jackie | July 8, 2009 2:20 PM