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For a number of years I have purposely purchased "multiple" copies (2 to 10) of titles that support the curriculum, are high circulation titles/replacements, hardbacks which will go OP or to paperback, or are core collection titles. They are NOT cataloged or processed but shelved and housed in the library's storage area. Presently, I have 1500-2000 books. Having been a school librarian for over 30 years, my library budget has fluctuated because of changes in administration, district funding, state funding, and federal funding. I have experienced healthy increases, 10%-20% annual decreases, and multi-year "no increase" budgets. Regardless of my budget, book prices have rarely gone DOWN! How much would you save if you replaced a book your purchased 10 years ago instead of buying it this year? What if your annual replacement cost was zero? Consequently, as a hedge and protection against these variables beyond my control, especially in the good years, I purchased extra copies thus developed a "rainy day" bookshelf. Besides the usual 10%-20% cuts, I considered the worse case scenario. What if my acquisition budget was eliminated completely? Books are antiquated and old technology. Who needs books when everything and all knowledge are online! Of course, I was told and reassured drastic cuts and/or failure to support collection development would never happen. However, if it did, my ideal goal was to be able to at least maintain the existing collection at little expense. Also, regardless of financial circumstances, my popular demand titles, necessary assignment titles, and curriculum support titles will always be available. Robert L. Hicks, librarian Arkansas City High School Arkansas City, KS 67005 bob.hicks@usd470.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, you send a message to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * LM_NET Help & Information: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/join.html * LM_NET Supporters: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/category/links/el-announce/ --------------------------------------------------------------------