What Would a Librarian Do with a Found Self-Published Novel?

Imagine leaving a copy of your novel on a desk in the library. What would a professional librarian do with it?

The Standard Procedure

According to standard library procedures, if a self-published novel is found on a desk, it would most likely be placed in the lost and found drawer. This step is taken to ensure that the book is not discarded or misplaced.

Library’s Processes for Lost Books

In the event that a book is found in the library that does not belong to the library, the following procedures are typically followed by staff members, especially those with experience in managing lost items:

Step 1: Identification and Reunification with Owner

The first step in the process is to attempt to identify the owner of the book. If found in the lost and found section, librarians look for any identifying information, such as the owner's name, in the book. They also check the library card database for any owners who may have obviously self-published the book. If the library can determine the owner's information, they will contact the owner and inform them that the book is found and available for retrieval.

Step 2: Lost and Found Procedures

If the book cannot be identified or the owner cannot be located, it is placed in the lost and found section. In the United States and many other countries, library policies state that lost and found items are kept for a certain period, typically 3 months. During this time, librarians place a note on each item indicating when and where it was found, which aids in the eventual return to its rightful owner.

Step 3: Handling Items After Three Months

After three months, if the book remains unclaimed, it is treated as a book donation. Librarians assess the book to determine if it has any value to the library's collection. If the book is in good condition and falls within the library’s collection criteria, it may be shelved. However, if it does not meet these criteria, or if there is no suitable shelf space, the book is added to the library's collection of donated books. These books are sold at a book sale organized by the Friends of the Library, a committee of community members who help raise funds for the library. Any unsold books are then donated to smaller libraries, such as prison libraries, before eventually being recycled.

The Role of the Author

If an author wants their self-published novel considered for inclusion in the local library, they should contact a librarian. While most libraries will accept professionally published books by local authors, books from vanity publishing firms are only added if the head librarian deems them to be of value. Libraries may carry local genealogical records and books about the town, even if they are self-published, due to their relevance to local researchers. However, whether self-published novels are added to the collection depends on factors such as shelf space availability and the librarian's assessment of their usefulness.

Conclusion

The process of managing found self-published novels in a library demonstrates the intricate balance between adhering to standard procedures and making localized decisions about what is worth adding to a community’s collection. Understanding these practices can offer self-published authors insight into how their work might be considered for inclusion in their local library.