[asdff]

It seems like they just don't really plan inventory in a logical way but in a sort of rigid first in first out way. For example I just checked out a recent addition of a classical book, one of those original classical translations that were reprinted in the 2010s with some new forward I will skip over as the only thing different than the 1990 edition, or the 1960 edition for that matter.

The library had probably 30 copies of this edition, most all sitting on shelves, while maybe 1 or 2 each of all other older editions. I'm guessing solely because this edition is "new" therefore they ordered a case of these books from the publisher when they came out whether there was demand for it or not, and the quantities of the older editions are much more likely to be matched to true demand of this book.

And eventually, they will have to destroy what probably 29 copies of this book in some years time.

Seems kind of stupid right? Why order such an excess of books?

Then I also wonder if they could sunset these quantities better. Rather than destroy the excess copy after I return it, maybe just let me keep it?

[throwaway173738]

> Rather than destroy the excess copy after I return it, maybe just let me keep it?

This is pretty much what they do with children’s board books. Toddlers pretty much wreck any book you give them. But the library wants kids to learn to read. So they check them out and then they accept them back in whatever condition, no fees.

[asdff]

Eventually they will throw out the book though right? This is what I am getting at. Rather than throw out the book, give the last person who is getting to use it the option to keep it. Saves on incineration costs and hey maybe some would appreciate a book in whatever condition it is in.