As controversy continues to grow after a London high school library culled 10,000 books, Fanshawe College is sticking by its own intake and review process, said Dana Vanzanten, manager at the Library Learning Commons.
Unlike public library collections, books inside a college library typically serve a specific purpose related to curriculum. And once staff determine a book no longer serves that purpose, or is damaged, they will try to find it a new home.
“For an academic library like the one here at Fanshawe College, our mandate is to provide support for the curriculum that’s developed and delivered by faculty and support students in their learning outcomes. What we’re here to do is make sure that students have access to the materials they need to be successful in their courses,” Vanzanten said.
“Material in any kind of library, academic, public, special… can be removed if the conditions no longer meets the requirements. If the item is moldy, if it’s damaged, and then careful consideration is made to determine whether or not it’s replaced or if it’s been superseded by something newer, so we apply those basic principles.”
Earlier this month, after reports that 10,000 books had been removed from H.B. Beal secondary school, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) told news outlets in London that the cull was part of a standard library collection review, and most books were removed due to age, damage and outdated content.
After the news sparked controversy about the process, Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra announced a temporary halt to all school library reviews.
When asked about the preservation process for books with no more shelf life, Vanzanten stated that they look within the college.
“I know that our librarians offer the books to faculty members, to students, and if there isn’t uptake from those particular populations then we do also offer them to community organizations who might be selling them to raise money for charitable purposes.”
Fanshawe’s books are only recycled if the material is damaged and uncapable of being used, Vanzanten said.
Fanshawe’s library isn’t just for page turners. It acts as the heart of the school, and is one of the first things that can be seen when entering the school’s F Building.
The library also offers learning support, study spaces and peer tutoring to all students.
