I recently purchased a used book through a web intermediary (a
recognized bookseller). The description was ‘fine’ but when the
book arrived it had what looked like the remains of the top of a
date label and partially removed barcode (with a red centre) on
the front page; the title and half-title pages razored out; the top
edge shaved and the back page sliced and closed with cloth tape
– presumably to remove a security trigger. In other words, the
item was either stolen semi-processed from a library or was
returned unwanted from a library to a book supplier. I have
spoken to the intermediary and claimed through their guarantee
as the book is not ‘as described’ and they will investigate further
and probably reimburse us. I have not spoken to the seller as I
feel the intermediary is in a better place to investigate
provenance.
My questions to this group are:
Is it okay to add to my stock something which may have been
illegally removed from your stock because I have been
reimbursed and can’t trace the original owner? If I don’t add it,
what do I do? If I return it to the seller it could be sold again
which doesn’t solve any problem.
What do your suppliers do with unwanted/returned library
orders? [Mine says that it retains them against possible future
requests and then informs the purchaser that the item has library
labels and do they want it at a reduced rate].
Do we feel that it is a widespread problem? I buy a reasonable
number of secondhand books for stock and it’s the first time I’ve
had such suspicions. I quite happily buy items sold as ex-library
with normal withdrawn stamps, but I have had a few items go
missing from the processing office which I have assumed
mislaid or ‘borrowed’ for personal use not for resale.
NB: If you recognise the description of the barcode please
contact me to discuss title details and maybe this can be easily
cleared up!
Thanks for your help.
Catherine
Catherine O'Sullivan
Systems and Bibliographic Services Manager
St Mary's College
Waldegrave Road
Strawberry Hill
TWICKENHAM
TW1 4SX
020 8240 4303
(fax 020 8240 4270)
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