books,

Feature: Bundled Up and Withdrawn

6/25/2014 08:03:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Have you ever noticed the old books tied together in one corner of the UPIS Library?

Those are books that will eventually be taken out of the library. Are you curious about the eventual fate of those books?

The process of disposing books is called Withdrawal. In order for the library to receive new books, withdrawing old ones is necessary to clear up space. Books that are too damaged, unusable, and outdated are candidates for withdrawal. These are usually labelled with bright post-it notes so that students would recognize them.

However, even though a book is old, it does not mean that it could be disposed. According to Ms. Wilma Azarcon, the Head Librarian, it is essential for a librarian to determine the value of a book. Works of important authors or in-demand books are preserved, repaired, or digitized when they are starting to deteriorate. Filipiniana books are less likely to be disposed and are well-cared for.

Once the books are scanned and approved for withdrawal, two things can happen. The very fate of a book is decided by one thing--the accession number. If you check out the inner side of a library book's back cover, you'll find a small label on the upper right corner. That is the accession number. Labels that start with "G" are donated, all others are assigned to books owned by UP. Most UP Property books start with the letters "UPH."

Picked-out books owned by UP should be returned through the Supply and Property Management Office or SPMO, the department responsible for the designating, monitoring, and disposing of UP stuff such as computers and electric fans. The books are weighed and sold by-the-lot to junk shops or recycling centers with permits. However, the "G" or "Gift" books which are still presentable are donated to other schools.

We may sometimes feel regret about books being sent out or unread but withdrawn books are not thrown but are given new purposes. / by Travis Argayosa

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