Widening the Poison Books Scope: Addressing Bibliotoxicology at a Medium- Sized Public University Library
Abstract
Academic libraries face the challenge of what Drs. Melissa Tedone and Rosie Grayburn
called “poison books,” or bibliotoxicology.1 Researchers at large institutions are conducting
studies of library holdings, testing books for heavy metals, identifying health
and safety guidelines, and sharing new knowledge via published case studies. Small- to
mid-sized academic libraries, however, may lack equipment, expertise, funding, or time
to investigate their holdings, or the space to safely segregate such items, and must develop
their own strategies to address health and safety issues surrounding bibliotoxicology.
This case study explores activities at a medium-sized public university
called “poison books,” or bibliotoxicology.1 Researchers at large institutions are conducting
studies of library holdings, testing books for heavy metals, identifying health
and safety guidelines, and sharing new knowledge via published case studies. Small- to
mid-sized academic libraries, however, may lack equipment, expertise, funding, or time
to investigate their holdings, or the space to safely segregate such items, and must develop
their own strategies to address health and safety issues surrounding bibliotoxicology.
This case study explores activities at a medium-sized public university
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