A chronicle of who we are, where we have been

I had the pleasure of reading an essay in the Chronicle of Higher Education this morning that paints the beautiful story of the other side of my work in academic libraries. It is this hidden story, the tale from the perspective of private or research library collection owner that I must bear in mind and encourage others to bear in mind for all interactions involving gifts-in-kind.

Carolyn Foster Segal wrote the essay I mention above. She describes the life course of a reader's and researcher's library with such personal, heartfelt eloquence, anyone with a life light shining from within would rightfully give pause and recall their own relationship with books. Her recollections reflect many of my own feelings about the library I have built in my own home, and combined with that of my writer-public safety officer-martial arts instructor-husband. While not on the verge or retirement, we are having the same conversation about downsizing our collections.

For each individual there are emotional and cognitive ties, as Segal describes. For some, it is a pride of ownership, and knowing that the book needed is just over there on the shelf. Yet when the day comes, and either owner or family member must reconcile the practicalities of thousands of titles that must find a new home, the choices are difficult. For some, the collection has become an extension of self, and parting is like severing a limb. When a choice is made to offer the collection, for sale or donation, a grieving process is in place or just beginning.

I think it's that letting go part that is difficult for me as an individual, and so it is simpler for me to empathize with the donor when that piece is disappearing or leaving the home. Using compassion combined with practicality has worked for me. Transparency on all parts of the process of consideration, acceptance or rejection, and what will happen to items not selected from the donation for the collection are all part of the larger picture. Book collections are organic, they have a life and they are a life of their own. Handle with care, and outcomes will meet expectations.