Hoarding is not collection development
Teddy Bear Catalog
The Teddy Bear Catalog
Bialosky
1980
Submitter: This book was recently weeded from our collection. As a community college library, we strive to teach students how to find authoritative and trustworthy information. If this was a straightforward “how to repair teddy bears” book, it might stay, but the authors include references to the stuffed bears’ personalities (such as “hold[ing] its paw” during repair and consulting a veterinarian to learn how to tie a teddy bear sling for a broken arm). It is also from 1980, so prices listed for the current “teddy bear market” are well out of date.
Holly: Seems like an odd choice for a community college at all, but it’s definitely too old. I agree that it goes a bit far with the teddy bear sympathy. Maybe if it were suggesting ways to talk to a child about their beloved bear’s repair it would be kind of cute, but these seem to be adults sewing up old bears. If a lone adult takes a teddy bear into a veterinarian’s office to learn how to put a cast on its missing paw, they will probably charge for the time and materials, or just say they don’t have time and send you away. They would also think you were a little odd. Because you are.
Pillow Talk in the Craft Section
12 Pillow Parade
Pillows for Young and Old Alike
1976
One of my collection responsibilities is arts and crafts, so I keep running into my fair share of bizarre crafts and outdated materials. In one of my library related day dreams, I imagine a craft fair featuring nothing but the craft projects featured here on ALB. Think of it! Applehead Dolls, crocheted vests and jewelry and of course all the home decor found here, here and here. (I think I should pitch this as a program during Halloween. Talk about scary!)
Today we have some decorative pillows. The construction techniques are okay, but they have posed the pillows outside, with the animals. Maybe these particular pillows are in their natural habitat? I am not sure I would want those pillows back in the house after hanging with the animals.
Mary
Proto Project Runway
Dress Designing
Fashions Figures Fabrics Facts
Evans
1971
I am a marginal sewer at best, but even I can see that the information isn’t too bad in this book. Of course, fabrics and styles change, but skills for tailoring and patterns probably haven’t changed too much. I am sure modern designers use computers. The book is old and a bit tired looking. This one might qualify as a keeper in the right collection/library. Designers/tailors please weigh in on this.
Mary