Oberlin
College Library Book Sale
Mentor(s): Linda Slocum, (Eric Carpenter, Ray English)
Department: Collection Development
Aspects of librarianship related to the project: Determining
value of materials by searching databases and reference materials;
Identifying proper disposition of books; developing familiarity
with books dealers and the book market; establishing public relations
contacts including Friends of the Library; writing and creating
publicity and organizing a publicity campaign; planning traffic
flow patterns and displays;
Number of openings: 1
Estimated length of project: 1 month over summer to make
preparations and then some hours in the fall, particularly at
the end of October, early November.
Hours/day: 3 (Total of 60 hours, approximate)
Dates available: July and/0r August, November 1 - 3
Preferred skills/knowledge: organizational skills; ability
to plan, create and carry through on a project; attention to detail;
knowledge and love of books and the book trade; desire to work
with the public, peers, and library staff.
Additional comments: Summer hours would be quite flexible,
since this is the planning stage. If the intern would like to
assist or take a leadership in the actual book sale, then the
work is rather intense in the few days leading up to the sale
and the actual sale days themselves. The idea would be to get
all the pre-sale activities done over the summer. Any or all of
the above listed tasks could be done by the student intern, depending
on areas of interest.
Description: The Oberlin College Library Book Sale is
a popular event held every two years in the fall. In the past
few years the sale has been successfully held on Parents Weekend,
attracting a large crowd and garnering several thousand dollars
for the library's book purchasing fund. Friends of the Oberlin
College Library are traditionally given the first opportunity
to purchase the bargain books, and students are particularly encouraged
to join the Friends at this time. Much planning and preparation
goes into the book sale. Decisions need to made as to how to deal
with eager book dealers, which triggers philosophical discussions
about the goals and purpose of a book sale and the gifts policy
in general. Books of value are identified and priced; materials
are sorted by subject. Publicity is a crucial part of the planning
process. There are many details to be planned regarding the actual
staging of the sale, including the enlistment of library staff
and student help, scheduling, and acknowledgment of assistance
given. In all of its many aspects and varied tasks, the book sale
engages the planner from beginning to end.
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