Opinions and Responses

About Book Management at Inagi Library

I have used libraries all over Japan, and although the collection size is smaller, the process from reservation to securing reserved books at Inagi City Library is top-notch. I believe the turnover rate of popular books is also among the best. However, I feel that the management of older books might be a bit lax.
Therefore, we would like you to consider one of the following measures.
1) Strengthen measures against silverfish beyond the current level.
2) For books older than 20 years, (entrust to other libraries) dispose of them appropriately to reduce inventory costs and allocate the savings to new book purchase expenses.
3) Others.
 

Response

At the Inagi City Library, the condition of materials is checked as needed during shelf organization and returns. Materials that have been kept for a certain number of years and are deemed to have no preservation value, or those with noticeable dirt, are provided to citizens through the recycling association or disposed of. Approximately 10,000 materials are withdrawn annually. However, materials judged to have high research value are preserved as part of the Inagi City Library collection regardless of their age.
The underground storage of the Central Library, where materials are preserved, operates air conditioning at all times to control temperature and humidity and to take measures against silverfish and the like. Additionally, staff regularly clean to address dirt and other issues. Based on your recent opinion, we will strive to improve the management and preservation methods of materials, as well as work towards a balanced approach to the collection, deaccession, and preservation of materials.

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