HIT, ELEM: Buying State books in Paperback?

[Suzanne Weinheimer <suzanne@WHATEXIT.COM>]

> I'm looking into purchasing a set of state books for my collection. Our
> current ones are from 1976-1979, and 1983-1986.  However, at close to
> $800-900 for a set of 51-53, it would be a large chunk of my budget. I
> *do* have the opportunity to purchase a set in paperback for about 30
> percent of the hardback cost. Since these books are only used once a year
> for reports, and maybe one circulation a year additional, are the
> paperbacks worth it? The set I'm looking at is "From Sea to Shining Sea".
> I figure by the time the paperbacks are worn out, they would be outdated
> enough to warrant purchasing an updated set anyway.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions, comments, thoughts, on this?


1) Go for the paperbacks but cover them with a clear film like
"vistafoil" (from
Highsmith).

2) Sounds like a good idea to me.  Your logic makes so much sense.  I
think
I'll look into it when I get ready to replace.

3)      I went through exactly the same thinking you did.  I purchased three
of each of the regions set (of course I'm home and can't remember the
name,
each book has three states in it).  I'm going to have a parent volunteer
cover them with contact paper.  I figure they'll last until they are
outdated, with a max of 3-4 circulations a year.  Of course I don't know
yet if I'm right.

4) I have used a covering called Kapco Covers for paperbacks.  They are
about
$1.00 each but are really worth it.  It takes a while to cover but the
books
will last for countless circulations.  I had a paper Jurassic Part that
held
up better than the hard cover trade binding.

You can purchase the trial kit with many different sizes of covers, a
cutter,
and instructions for about $100.00.   The kit is wonderful for covering
donated paper cover books and teacher materials as well.

5) I purchased a set of state books last year in paperback and so far
it's working well.  I'm just interfiling them on the shelf and they are
holding up.  The savings was substantial and I won't feel obligated to
wait 10 years before purchasing another.  Some states are seldom used,
but I still wanted to buy an entire set..  One year
isn't much of a trial example for you, but it is definitely working now.

6) Going the paperback route with state books sounds like a viable
alternative to me.  I'm needing to update our collection and would be
very interested in any responses you get; especially from anyone who has
used paperbacks.

7)   Children's Press, publisher of _From Sea to Shining Sea_ produces a
good quality paperback.  I purchased their Indians of N. A. set in
paper.  They are not used much, and have held up well.  I have also
purchased some of the country "New True" books in paper.  Their paper
bound books are produced for classroom sets, and are pretty sturdy.

8) I may have to buy state books in paperback myself--I can't forsee
having the money to do otherwise. I would, however, go to the trouble to
cover them with contact paper. I know that's a lot of work, but perhaps
you
could get the paper donated and some volunteers to do the covering.

9) I would buy the paperbacks and cover them with contact paper.
Although I
still feel as if hardbacks are a much better choice ( longer lasting,
hardier, etc) Paperbacks are an inexpensive alternative.  Plus, in 5 years
the state books will be  outdated again.

10) I really don't like paperback books.  I'm lucky to get two
circulations out
of them.  I currently have an old set of "From Sea to Shining Sea" state
books in my collection.  The kids use them mostly for history, pictures,
and
general information.  For up-to-date information like population,
government,
etc., they use the encyclopedia on CD Rom which is MUCH cheaper to
purchase
every year.  If you have computers in your library, I strongly recommend
getting a few different encyclopedias on CD Rom.

11) may consider that myself. I'd check the copyright before I
buy, just to be sure of good info. I'd also cover the paperbacks with
laminate for durability.

12) In my experience the paperbacks work fine.  You can even reinforce
them
with a bit of wide clear tape on the spine.  With the advent of so much
state information available via the Internet and other sources, I agree
that the series, which are updated rather frequently) are a good buy if
you truly only have them used 2 times a year.  Public libraries do buy
hardbacks but then they have any number of classes in several schools
using the books more often.


****************************************************************
Suzanne Weinheimer, Library Media Specialist
South Mountain School/Annex (K-4),   444 West South Orange Avenue,
South Orange, NJ  07079
email:  suzanne@whatexit.com
school web page: http://southmountain.somsd.k12.nj.us
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