Changing Times: Integrating Self-Published Works into Public Library Collections

By Braeden Weir

A critical analysis tailored for public library boards of directors navigating the evolving landscape of self-publishing. This book addresses the critical need for public libraries to adapt their collections development strategies to embrace self-published materials. From overcoming stigmas to implementing practical acquisition strategies, "Changing Times" offers actionable solutions to empower library boards in broadening their collections and navigate the surging popularity of self-publishing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Braeden Weir
• Release date: Mar 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224980970

Book preview

Executive Summary

Self-publishing is surging in popularity to a degree that cannot be overlooked by libraries. Historically, libraries have avoided self-published works due to assumptions of their quality being inferior to traditionally published works. The traditional publishing process, involving rigorous vetting and refinement, reinforces this bias. Self-published works, however, can offer some of the highest quality and most demanded books on the market and can offer a greater degree of local interest value or specialization on a topic than traditionally published works. By overlooking self-published works, libraries limit the scope of their collections.

Acquiring self-published works has become quite a challenge for libraries. Due to being seen as less predictable and riskier to purchase than traditionally published works, there is little incentive to allocate precious budget space to self-published works. When purchasing self-published materials, the efficient process of utilizing vendors likely cannot be used and alternative, costly channels such as Amazon or purchasing direct from the author are the only options. Discovery of new materials also becomes an issue when acquiring self-published work as this process