Send a copy of Kathleen Stock's book to Sussex Uni Library

My local library doesn't have it, so I'm thinking of buying it for myself, and donating it to them after reading it - is there some kind of general process to follow when donating book to a library, or is it best to go in and ask them directly? Also, could they decide not to put in on the shelves (for whatever reason)?

University libraries will have reading lists that they refer to when ordering stock, so they'll only put multiple copies on display where it'sa key text needed by lots of students. They're not going to put out 10 copies because people send 10 copies to them. University library shelf space is at a premium. They will just forward them on to a book supplier like Better World books, who send old library books over seas. You're better off sending one copy to a local FE college or public library and ask for one copy to go on the shelves.

I'm not scared of other people's ideas. I read tons of articles by trans idealogues. I share them too, they're much more useful for educating people as they can't be accused of being "transphobic".

It's funny that you use religion as an example. A belief in trans ideology requires a massive suspension of critical thought and a leap of faith. One must recite catechisms and recant if one slips up. There are special performances to see who is in the in crowd and who is a "TERF". There is no room for atheism. Only believers and heretics.

Just if I was to receive one that's what I'd do as I would view it the same as those unwanted pamphlets.

I take it that you probably don’t read any of the links and studies we post too then. I guess that explains the posting style over the years then.

I didn't say I was a librarian?
Just if I was to receive one that's what I'd do as I would view it the same as those unwanted pamphlets.

Probably should have led with that, as now anyone who didn't read beyond the first page may leave the thread thinking librarians throw books away without checking the length of the request list.

My local library shelves the books I donate (as I donate stuff that has been requested by other library users!) It's really not on to smear the reputation of a profession you don't even work in like this. Next time, make it clear that you are making grand statements about throwing unsolicited books away in your capacity as a member of the public, not a librarian.

If we have a concerted campaign to ALL send copies to our MPs (and if they are male also to their wives) then surely between us we can cover Parliament.

In addition we really need to be getting these books up the bestseller lists so they stick out in book shops and newspaper bestseller lists. Buy copies for your friends if you can. That’s what I am now going to do.

I am dropping a copy round to my MP just in case he ‘misplaced’ his previous copy from Sex Matters! Are you sure they also sent Material Girls tho? It says on Sex Matters website that they send Trans.

Never have I been so happy to have a conservative MP as given current climate he is more likely to read it. Maybe I will drop a copy off for his wife too………

Is there any crowd funding or any other way to stick up for Katherine?

The librarian upthread compared it to religious pamphlets you get handed in the street.

Back in the day, I had to read Mein Kampf, The Thoughts of Chairman Mao, Kim Il-Sung, Colenel Gaddaffi's Little Green Book and the Official History of the Conservative Party.

Which of those should have been thrown away?

It's not about the content 🙄

It's about the amount of books people want to give libraries. Donations are kept to one side to be dealt with later. Libraries are too busy managing core text requests & haven't even the space for those. We now focus on e-book first & supplementary physical copies.

If you are determined why not contact the librarian first and ask if they would like one?
If they say ‘yes please we would love to stock half a dozen if only we had the budget’ we can all chip in.
If they say no please don’t you can do something more useful with a copy.

Oooh, look:

www.theargus.co.uk/news/9513535.libraries-call-for-book-donations-after-cuts-hit/

Also, this process takes a while. You send a book to the Library it needs to be processed, cataloged & shelved. That's likely to be weeks at this time of year.

It's just a silly pointless gesture.

Back in the day, I had to read Mein Kampf, The Thoughts of Chairman Mao, Kim Il-Sung, Colenel Gaddaffi's Little Green Book and the Official History of the Conservative Party.

Which of those should have been thrown away?

I would say the maximum number of copies my university library held of any one popular or key book would be six.

We also had departmental libraries that held multiple copies of significant books, offprints and journals.

There are many universities to get books into.

I might buy a copy for myself. Katherine needs all the support she can get and hopefully this puts some money in her pocket as well.

I heard them mentioning her on the Today programme this morning while covering the newspaper headlines. The (male) presenter said something along the lines - 'paper also coving the Sussex University professor Katherine who is falsely accused of transphobia'. Just dropping falsely in.

If a book goes on a reading list, or is being generally discussed or publicised, the situation easily develops where dozens of students are simultaneously trying to get hold of the one or two copies of the book held by the university library. It is annoying for students and lecturers alike, when assignments can't be completed on time and/or dissertation research kept on track, or discussions held.

This is as true for Principles of Spatial Geography or Chavs as it is for Material Girls.

One copy of a book is really not much at a large university.

Buying her book and getting it to a useful place = great idea

Sending it to Sussex university library =not so much

Libraries have limited shelf space and they don’t automatically add to their collection every book they are given.

Having said all that I’ve just checked the Uni of Sussex library catalogue and they only have one copy of Stock’s book. It’s on loan and there are 4 reservations on it so it’s obviously in demand. Maybe more copies are needed but I would leave it up to the librarians to order more.