My local library won't be stocking Graham Linehan's "Tough Crowd". Anyone else had the same response?

[OccultGnuNew]

I've been reading the ongoing discussion on Graham Linehan's book and decided to follow the suggestion within the thread and asked my local library about getting it into stock. I filled out the online form a couple of weeks ago.

Today I had a phone call from the library saying they were very sorry but wouldn't be adding it to their catalogue.

When asked why the response was "our supplier has given it a low rating". I asked for further clarification on what it was being rated as "low" on, the person on the phone didn't know but a low rating meant it wouldn't be being procured for the library.

I said I was aware the author had engaged with some controversial topics and was that the reason for the low rating? Again the person didn't know. I also asked for an example of a book with a high rating and again - don't know - the rating system is applied by the supplier not the library and the library uses the ratings as a guide.

I don't think the person on the phone was being obstructive, they evidently did not know the ins and outs of the rating system and how it was applied and were just passing on the information.

The supplier our library uses is Askews. I'm in a town with a population of 200,000 that has around 15 libraries and I've seen some of the crap they keep on the shelves. Why this is being declined I'm not sure,

Has anyone else come across this?

I've bought a copy and so haven't asked the libraries, but I may well do so now. TBF, the person who called you was probably instructed to 'phone Occult and tell her we won't be getting that book. If she queries it, just tell her it had a low rating.' And that's genuinely all they know..

Libraries are captured, so it's not a surprise.

I'd email and ask them if they would refuse a donated copy of the book; and if so, why? Get it in writing.

They do take donated books and I've already resolved to buy it, read it and donate it. AND check if it crops up on the "to borrow" list as well or whether it disappears.

Is it worth asking Askews wtf their ratings are based on I wonder?

And yes Rightsraptor I don't think the person who made the call was expecting the follow up questions and genuinely didn't have the knowledge to answer.

Write to his publisher, Eye Books - they will want to know this, and are in a much better position to find out from Askews.

This is actually really disturbing.

Just checked my library and relieved to see 24 copies and 45 reserves, that's across 11 libraries in my Dublin council. Great to see a clear demand. Hopefully you aren't the only one asking about it OP.

I can't log in to my library account just now as I don't have my number on me but I checked the catalogue and not one single copy.

I shall be putting in a request.

Call me quaint and old fashioned but wasn't one of the ideas of having local libraries was to allow local people access to information, ideas, etc., that might not be that well known. ie on a point of principle have 1 copy of an obscure book.

And secondly isn't the whole point of having a librarian is to have someone with knowledge of books etc..

How or why would a "supplier" be dictating what people can or cant have acess to. It would make more sense, if it was about how many sales, but a library isn't a book shop FFS!!

Are Libraries just meant to stock the 10 most popular books and nothing else?

I would suggest contacting a local councillor, but I suppose none of them would support having GL's book.

This seems to be a good tactic:

Write to his publisher, Eye Books - they will want to know this, and are in a much better position to find out from Askews.

Odd that it would have a low rating when it was/is a bestseller.

Kent Libraries: one copy, five reserves

This is censorship.

Email the library reminding them that they are a public service and you would like to borrow a copy of the book. They won't be as dismissive as they are on the phone.

Ask them explicitly if they are actively censoring books. They will enjoy answering that question. If you have no joy, consult with your local councillor and tell lies abput your connections to the local rag.

Good luck. Tell us how you get on.

I looked up my LA's library catalogue and it wasn't there so I have requested it (this is for the entirety of a Scottish Council Area, so not just one town).

I think my local library uses Askews too and they've got a copy on order (small library, 250k population, wouldn't expect them to have lots of copies).

I seem to remember having a discussion about Askews ratings with a staff member before and it's not a barrier to purchasing. Purchasing staff may use it as part of their decision making process but the final decision rests with them.

Not stocked in my council area, and interestingly when I searched his name it came back with a 'fuzzy search' hit, meaning that his name is misspelled in their catalogue. Too paranoid to think that could be deliberate?

That's great @ProudHag . Some libraries won't accept donations. Mine wouldn't accept a book about Irish place-names , for example. I had bought 2 copies in error.

Agree.
i ordered a copy via Amazon but have had a message saying it is “delayed” . What is that about ?

I suspect this is the natural consequence of library funding being slashed to the point of having virtually no qualified librarians left at the local authority. So many libraries now are run by low paid assistants and unpaid volunteers.

This would account for the supplier doing the decision making re. new acquisitions. In my day there was a library professional making those decisions 🙄

I'm in ultra 'be kind' Bristol and just checked LibrariesWest - two copies 'being acquired by the library'. I've added my name to the reservation list.

People are being a bit hysterical talking about censorship.

Libraries don't stock every single book that is ever published - if only they had that kind of funding!

I haven't even heard of this book, it's got 95 reviews on Amazon, it's not exactly a massive bestseller.

It will be because of that, not because of its content.

If you want it then request it, if enough people request it then they'll get it.

Just a word of caution regarding donation. I work in a library and if someone donates a book we cannot add it to our stock unless it is already on the catalogue. If it's not already at another library in the county we can only sell it (very cheaply). We also use Askews and we get a lots of books about trans issues and very few copies of anything gender critical. That's not Askews though that's the buyers who work in HQ for the library service.

London Borough of Richmond has got two copies and seven reserves.

Also just checked and we are awaiting our copy in another library in the county. So I have reserved it!

@rocknrollaa
I haven't even heard of this book, it's got 95 reviews on Amazon, it's not exactly a massive bestseller.
It will be because of that, not because of its content.
Erm, it was only published on 12th October. It will be because of that!

I wouldn’t be so sure re. censorship. Could be part of the reason you’ve not heard of it! It was a bestseller.

@senua @TheMarzipanDildo It's still extreme to jump to the conclusion that it's censorship based on the OP. Libraries are so underfunded now that they'll only get stuff they know is going to be popular.