Bringing Balance to the Shelf

Would you like to see more creation material in your local public library or school library? Here are some steps you can follow to increase your chances of success.

First, search your library’s catalog and note any other creation or anti-creation titles on the list. Next, present the library with a letter requesting additional materials; your library may have a form for this purpose. Be sure to include the title, author, publisher, and ISBN number. It helps if you are a regular user of that library.

After a few weeks, ask the librarian about the request. If they decided not to carry the materials, respectfully ask why. If they cite budget constraints, offer to donate a copy. If they state that they won’t carry that type of literature, respectfully inform them that this topic is frequently in the news and of interest to patrons. Politely explain that they carry books with opposing views (if this is the case). Be courteous at all times and speak directly with the decision maker.

Finally, inform your library that other public libraries already carry the book (search www.worldcat.org).

Be sure to let us know of any successes or failures as you try to make creation materials more available. Click here to read how the efforts of one magazine subscriber in Texas paid off.