Re: Black Mathematicians/Thomson Learning

[Selina Gomez <sgomez@PRAIRIENET.ORG>]

I have run into this problem lately.  Apparently, about 1 year ago a
"publisher" sent the library a set of reference books we didn't ask for.
The story goes (I wasn't the librarian then) that this company basically
harrassed the librarian and went to the prinicipal to get permission to
send these books.  They would not let us agree to preview them, had no
information on any reviews,  and then sent a letter some months later
threatening to sue because we hadn't paid for the books.  The phone
number given was a private resident who has been getting phone calls from
other libraries that have had the same problem.   I called the Better
Business Bureau and this company has had a great record, but they are
sending papers so that I can file a complaint.  When I called the phone
number again, I reached the publisher and they said they would pick up
the books.
        I don't know they quality of the books, they may be wonderful.
But I don't want to open them, for fear that they will charge me, and I
don't like the idea of being forced to recieve books when the librarian
made it quite clear that we weren't ordering them without some idea of
what they were.    If it is true that I can keep them without paying for
them, and not get sued, then I will.  But I won't open the package until
I find something on these books, etc. Does someone have an answer that will
stick?

        Selina

 On Thu, 2 Feb 1995, Roselle_Weiner wrote:

> is the thomson action illegal in fact?  I thought that if someone sends
> you something you did not order, you have no obligation to pay for it or
> to send it back.  you may legally keep it for free.
>
> what does everyone else say?
>
> all best,
>
> Roselle
>
>
> American School for the Deaf
> r_weiner@sacam.oren.ortn.edu
>
> On Thu, 2 Feb 1995, Rosalind P Eyre wrote:
>
> > Math teachers in the Beaumont Independent School District are searching
> > for information on famous black mathematicians.  We have found much
> > information on inventors, musicians, etc., etc., but very little on
> > mathematicians.  Any suggestions on names or sources would be appreciated.
> >
> > Also, several schools in our district have received unauthorized
> > shipments of books from Thomson Learning.  They are told that return
> > postage is prepaid and all they have to do is call UPS to have the
> > materials picked up and returned if they decide not to purchase them, but
> > it is annoying (not to mention illegal) for Thomson to do this sort of
> > thing.  Are we the only ones having this problem?
> >
>

Selina Gomez-Beloz, Librarian           (312) 534-4059  voice
Roberto Clemente Media Center           (312) 534-4012  fax
1147 North Western Avenue, Chicago IL  60622
sgomez@firefly.prairienet.org   gomez@alexia.lis.uiuc.edu