Awful Library Books

Thespian Interwebs

January 21, 2020 Holly Bleeding Edge 5 comments

Actor’s Guide to the Internet
Kozlowski
2000

Submitter: Both of these were still on the shelf in 2020 (well, until today), right next to each other in 792.02. Dig the lack of google in favorite search engines, and the assertion that the websites for Borders (RIP), Barnes and Noble and Amazon blur together in the author’s mind!

Public library weeding tip: search the phrase “Computer Network Resources — Directories” to find these relics that aren’t in the 005s or 020s. There were a LOT of printed guides to websites on a specific topic published from 1997-2002, and they’re hiding in places like 598.07 (Internet Guide to Birds and Birding: The Ultimate Directory to the Best Sites Online, 2000) and 629 (Automotive Web Sites, 1999). My library got rid of those “internet yellow pages” directories 10 years ago, but these got missed since they weren’t with the computer/web titles.

Scanning Basics

January 20, 2020 Mary Kelly Bleeding Edge 4 comments

Basic Scanning Guide
For Photographers and Other Creative Types
Sheppard
2001

Although scanner technology has been around for a while, it wasn’t really a part of the modern home or office until the mid 1990s. If not for the pub date, I would have guessed this book to be a few years older. Not that scanning is that interesting anyway, this book has a pretty dull layout with numbered paragraph topics and the black and white photos. (Maybe the creative types weren’t consulted on this book project.) Weed and don’t look back.

“The Kids Are Alright”

January 17, 2020 Mary Kelly Parent/Teacher Collection 5 comments

Who cares for the baby?
Choices in Child Care
Glickman and Springer
1978

This was still in a collection as of this writing. Of course it is outdated and weed worthy for a public library. Since it is more academic than practical, it might have a place in some archive or academic library. This topic really chaps me personally, since I struggled with working and parenting decades ago. It is even more awful that this situation hasn’t improved. Sadder still, it hasn’t really changed since this book was published. Since the authors include research on the USSR and China in this book, I am sure that any success would be discounted since we are talking about Communists.

Fashionable Quilted Vests

January 16, 2020 Mary Kelly Craptastic Crafts and Hobbies 11 comments

Classic Quilted Vests
Fons and Porter
1982

I am a fan of quilting and although I lack real skills, I can appreciate the skills and would love to make a quilt with any of these patterns. However, I just don’t want to WEAR a blanket as a fashion statement. In terms a fashion, these quilts are just a step above the sweatshirt makeovers we have featured all the time on this site. In fact, how about the combo of sweatshirts AND and quilting?

I am impressed with the skills. I just wish they had used their quilting skills for good rather than evil.

Mary

Cosmo Girl DIY

January 14, 2020 Holly Craptastic Crafts and Hobbies 7 comments

CosmoGirl! Make it Yourself: 50 Fun and Funky Projects
2007

Submitter: Found in a public library, this book is catalogued as a children’s item. This gem was found by a customer who was looking for craft projects her 11 year old could do.

While most of it was pretty innocent (make your own chain belt, DIY hair clips!) this idea [“Boys-of-the-week panties,” image below] just seemed so wrong. The first step really sets you up for an uncomfortable crafting experience – “pick seven guys names.” But there are so many questions that follow. Who decided this was a good project for a kid’s book? Why did they have to pick black panties? And why do you need a silk scarf? Given the book is from 2007 we decided it was time to weed this copy and put an end to any panties crafting.

Cancer: Can it be stopped?

January 13, 2020 Mary Kelly Health and Safety 3 comments

Cancer: Can it be Stopped?
Silverstein and Silverstein
1987 (original copyright 1972)

This book seemed to be aimed at a young adult audience, although I found it in the adult nonfiction section of a small public library. The information is no doubt out of date, particularly with respect to treatments. The tone of these books is bleak and not too optimistic with respect to survival. No one wants a patron facing a desperate medical diagnosis to rely on books this old.

It would be great if everyone would have a lot of time to drop everything and weed whenever. I know that isn’t always the case, however staff can and should prioritize certain collections over others.The changes in some content has very real world consequences for our patrons.

Food Craft

January 10, 2020 Mary Kelly You Ate What? 4 comments

Culinary Crafting
The Art of Garnishing and Decorating Food
1976

For the foodies out there here is a nice book on how to decorate your food. The illustrations aren’t much to look at, and hardly make the food look appetizing. Photographs would be a better choice, even in the 1970s. Beyond the book design, the recipes are just okay and nothing particularly impressive. The decorations range from a watermelon bowl to a piece of pineapple on top of a ham. You can even go wild and add a maraschino cherry. It’s all very underwhelming.

Mary

Retro Nursing

January 8, 2020 Mary Kelly Working 9-5 16 comments

What It’s Like to Be a Nurse
Shay
1972

This book looks familiar. I think we featured it, but I can’t find it in our archives. It is a career book that is way past its prime. The narrative follows three nursing students through their program to graduation.

As a youth career book, this isn’t going to help anyone learn about modern nursing. Uniforms and caps turned into scrubs. I didn’t see a single pair of gloves on any of the staff. Technology and other changes make this book interesting, but obsolete. Keep it in archive, not in a current collection.