There is now (thanks to Klaus Graf) new information (with sample letters to authorities) at
http://archiv.twoday.net/stories/5169098/ .
The item
"CARDIFF COUNCIL /CYNGOR CAERDYDD / EXECUTIVE BUSINESS MEETING: 11 JANUARY 2007 / DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS LIBRARY STOCK / REPORT OF CORPORATE DIRECTOR" is also worth reading. I can't remember to have ever read a text dealing as callously with cultural heritage matters and scholarly interests ... . Some gems:
Quote:Experts have also indicated that “Overall they are dirty and in poor
condition, and… the cost of re-housing these books in state-of-the-art
conditions (which long-term conservation requires), combined with repairs
to bindings and other remedial work, could easily match the commercial
value of the books”.
8. The majority of the collections outlined in paragraph 5 have not been
catalogued and as a result are not (or very rarely) accessed by members
of the public. They also contain duplicate and, in some cases, triplicate
copies of the same item. Items of local or national interest would be
retained.
Issues
9. The main issue is whether the Council should invest approximately £2-3
million to save the collections, which would only ever be used by a very
narrow group of interested parties, or free the resource tied up in these
items by selling them through auction to individuals or institutions that can
afford the upkeep.
...
Quote:If these items are not disposed of considerable investment will need to be
made by the Council for their conservation.
See also:
Plus:
Pages: 1
Cardiff plans to sell 15th/16th cent. books. (Read 3505 times)
