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LIBR 266 --Collection Evaluation Assignment
Hilary Henkin -- July 31, 2011
Los Angeles history collection at the Los Angeles Public Library, Central branch
Introduction
This reportexamines materials related to Los Angeles history, call number 979.41 L881,at the Central Branchof the Los Angeles City Public Library The library currently contains more than 2.6 million books; 10,000 magazine subscriptions; almost 3 million historic photographs, 5 million U.S. patents, plus language learning and multi-media materials. A user would expect this section to be substantial, and in fact, it is. While this report considers items at this branch, the system’s online catalog includes related items at other branches.
Searching the catalog for “Subject: Los Angeles history”reveals 1422 items. 1317 items are books, 78 are visual materials, 39 are DVDs, 37 are VHS tapes,25 are sound recordings, andthe rest are other formats. While the public catalog displays whether an item is available, in transit, or checked out, it does not display ongoing circulation data. This report therefore does not include that information.
In viewing both the catalog and on-site materials, the collection seems strong for the location and compared to other sections. The collection has many creators, including small (vanity) publishers and single-volume authors. Comparing this collection to others has little meaning: this library is the third-largest in the country, and this is a “local” collection; one wouldn’t expect other cities to have a comparable Los Angeles collection, and even comparing local collections is of little value. The “primary audience” is almost entirely adult - only 11 items are geared to juvenile or young adult. Virtually all items are in English - less than 15 are otherwise. Although this section was visited on a Saturday, the area was quiet, and had few users.
Many of the materials are old, to be expected in a collection like this. Of the 1422 items, over 260 items date before 1960. However, this type of section should not be weeded for currency, because the older items have historical value in themselves, and contain information which may have been lost in more current items. Many items were first-person or second-person accounts, withno one still living. Given that this is an adult collection, all materials are appropriate for the age group. According to both the catalog and the shelves, almost all the materials are on the shelves, indicating low circulation. However the books may be used for on-site research. The section in general, like the rest of the library, is very well maintained. No dust is noticeable, shelves are neat and organized. The materials are unlikely, however, to be reviewed for repairs and weeding; these are historical research sections, not current news.
Evaluation of Individual Materials
Books
Carpenter, Edwin, H. (1973). Early cemeteries of the City of Los Angeles.
This book provides information about Los Angeles before the 20th Century. While it is older, the information is still historical and accurate, so should be retained. The copy examined is somewhat worn, but not seriously damaged. Ithas the original card pocket, holding a keypunch-size card with a DOS-printed paper label containing copy information.
The system has three copies of this book, all in the Central branch History Department. Two are Reference copies, and one circulates. The book has been stamped “Copy 16,” indicating that at one time the system had at least 16 copies of this item. In searching Alibris, Amazon, and a general internet search, this book is not currently available.
Creason, Glen (2010). Los Angeles in maps. Rizzoli International Publications.
This book is a compilation of historical maps held by the Los Angeles Public Library Map Department (the author is the Map Librarian at the library). The maps are historical, the book is new. The copy examined is in excellent condition.
The system has 36 copies of the book: the Central branch has six circulating copies and three reference copies; two branches have a circulating and reference copy, and all other branches have a single copy. Thirteen copies are checked out, one is in transit, and the other circulating copies are available. As a new book, it is widely available; the retail price is $50.00, but Amazon has it listed for $31.50.
Dinkelspiel, Frances (2008). Towers of gold : how one Jewish immigrant named Isaias Hellman created California.
This book is a historical accounting of one individual’s effect on the history of California. It is a relatively new book, and accordingly was in excellent condition. The hard-cover copy examined had the dust-cover wrapped in clear plastic library binding.
The system has 22 copies of this book: three circulating and one reference copy at the Central branch, two circulating copies at another branch, and the remaining copies at each of 18 other branches. Eight of the 21 circulating copies were checked out at the time of examination. It is readily available; the list price is $22.98, with current prices from $12.00-$23.00.
Garrigues, George (2009). Los Angeles’s the Palms neighborhood (Images of America series).
This book, part of a series called “Images of America,” is a soft-cover book with a glossy full-color cover, and in very good condition. Several other volumes of this series are represented in the system, particularly at the Central branch.
The system has eight copies of this book: a circulating and reference copy at the Central branch and another branch, and single circulating copies at four other branches. Of these, one was checked out, with the others available. It is readily available, and while it lists for $21.99, current prices range from $12.00 to $41.95.
Miron, George T. (1979). Love affair with the Angels: Vignettes of old Los Angeles.
This book is a historical recounting of stories (vignettes), and accordingly, while a few decades old, is still relevant and usable. It was in good condition, with some wear-and-tear, but nothing severe enough to recommend repair or replacement. It still has the original card pocket, holding a 2” wide blue card with no information. The copy examined is stamped, “Copy 15”, indicating that at some time in the past, the library had at least that many copies of the book.
The system has three copies of this book, all at the Central branch. Two circulate while one is in the Reference Dept. As of this writing, it is available via Alibris at a cost of $20.00.
Packman, AnaBegue (1932). Leather dollars: Short stories of El Pueblo de Los Angeles.
While this item dates from 1932, it is a recounting of first-person stories of the early days of L.A., by the teller’s daughter. Accordingly, though old, it is worth keeping. The book is in average condition, showing wear-and-tear, but not severe damage necessitating permanent or temporary removal. The copy examined has the original card pocket with a keypunch card.
Currently the system has five copies of this book: two Reference (Rare Books, History), and three Circulating. All are at the Central library, and as of this writing, all are available. It is currently available for purchase; Alibris Books has a copy for $18.99.
Shippey, Lee (1950). The Los Angeles book.
This book recounts historical stories encountered by the author, and accordingly will remain of current value, and shouldn’t be subjected to weeding. It was in good condition, showing wear-and-tear, but not substantial damage. It still has the original card pocket, holding a keypunch card.
The system has eleven copies of this book, all at the Central branch, all except one circulating, and at the time of this writing, all available. This book, although out of print, is currently available via Abe Books at prices ranging from $7.90 to $44.81.
Robinson, W. W. (William Wilcox) (1961). The story of San Fernando Valley.
This book contains an excellent history of the area, and accordingly, remains of current use. The pages are beginning to separate from the binding, so it should be removed for repair. It still has the original card pocket which is empty. A stamp inside the book indicates that at some time in the past, this was “copy 6”.
The system has 22 copies of the book, eleven of which are at the Central branch (eight circulating, and 3 reference copies). Of the remaining branch copies, four are reference copies and ten are circulating copies, but each at a single branch. While the book is out of print, it is available from Alibris and Amazon, at prices ranging from $6.00 to $26.00.
Tiernan, Mary Lee (1999). The Roscoe robbers and the sensational train wrecking of 1894 : greed and dastardly deeds shake the quiet little village of Sunland /: The early history of Sunland.
This book is a recounting of a historical event which still has current relevance, so should not be considered for weeding. The copy examined is in good condition, showing wear-and-tear, but nothing substantial.
The system has ten copies of this book, of which six are at the Central branch: one reference and five circulating copies. Not surprisingly, the other copies are at branches geographically adjacent to the event presented - one is reference, and the others are circulating copies. It is not currently available for replacement or purchase.
Watson, Virginia, (1967). A child’s history of Chatsworth.
This book is a history of a local town, and although written some time ago, still has relevance. The copy examined was in good condition, showing some wear-and-tear to be expected for its age. It still has the original card pocket,with a card last date-stamped in 2002 (which more reflects the switch to computerized records than the popularity of the book).
The system has eight copies of this book, of which five, all circulating, are at the Central branch. A circulating copy is at another branch, with the two remaining copies as reference-only at a third branch. It is not currently available for replacement or purchase.
Williams, Dino & Alexa, (1992). The story of Hollywoodland: Established in 1923.
This book, like the others in the sections, conveys details about historical events, and remains of current value. It is in good condition, with some wear-and-tear.
The system has nine copies of this book: two (one circulating, one reference)are at the Central branch; the others are at other branches. As a relatively new book, it is readily available. While its list price is $10.00, current prices at Amazon range from $11.95 to $71.72 (not a typo).
Journals
The Historical Society of Southern California quarterly.
This journal, published four times a year,has articles about southern California history, and has been indexed. Accordingly, it remains of current value. The library has all issues from Sept. 1944 to the present, bound into annual volumes. The volumes are in excellent condition, though older volumes show slightly more wear-and-tear than newer ones.
The system has only one set, at the Central branch. It is accessible to the public, in a special Reference area near the Reference desk of the History area, not with the other 979.41 L881 books. The three most recent issues are available directly from the Society, at a cost of $20.00 each, and other earlier issues may be available, depending on date. Current issues are otherwise available as a privilege of society membership. Based on a price of $20.00 each, the total value of the set would be approximately $5360.00.
Video
A&E Television Networks (2001). Modern marvels: Los Angeles.
This VHS video, although filmed around 2001, still contains relevant information. In fact, as time passes, it may be popular for preserving the look of Los Angeles at that particular point in time. Accordingly, while it may lose value as a source of current information, its value as a historical reference may grow. The copy examined was not played, but appeared to be in good condition - no noticeable scratches or marks that would indicate mistreatment. However, the copy examined is a VHS tape, and its usability will diminish with age. Should funds permit, the library should replace it with a DVD copy.
The system has eight copies of this video, all circulating. Four at are the Central branch, with the others at other branches. While replacing it with another VHS tape isn’t possible, DVD versions are currently available from Amazon for $24.95.
KCET Video (1995). Things that aren’t here anymore.
This VHS video was created by local TV station KCET, and remembers places throughout the Los Angeles area that are “gone but not forgotten.” Accordingly, its value in remembering these places will continue to give it current value, and in fact, like the A&E Networks tape,it may increase in value as a mark of a specific time period. The copy examined was not played, but appeared to be in good condition - no noticeable scratches or marks that would indicate mistreatment.
The system has two circulating copies of this tape, one of which is at the Central branch. It appears to be available from Amazon, at a cost of $19.95.
Southern California Jewish Historical Society (1998). Meet me at Brooklyn & Soto: celebrating the Jewish community of East Los Angeles.
This VHS tape is a remembrance of Jewish life in the first part of the 20th Century, in a specific area of Los Angeles. Like the other videos, it not only remembers an earlier time, but itself creates a mark in time with interviews. Accordingly, its content remains current, if its format doesn’t.
The system has four copies, all circulating. Three are at the Central branch. It is not available in VHS format, and when needed, should be replaced with a DVD, currently available at Turner Classic Movies at a cost of $39.99.
Summary
The Los Angeles history section appears to be in good condition, and represents the region and subject well. While many items are old, and some worn, it is not a high-circulation area. New items of interest continue to be added. Given current budgetary issues and its lower demand, expanding this section more than what seems to be planned is not recommended. Since materials may be ordered to and from any branch, the selection at the Central branch should be sufficient.
To replace this selection would cost between $5565 and $5900, assuming the items could be found at all. Accordingly, considering the direct expense added to the time to locate the volumes, leaving the selection as it is,remains the best recommendation.
Appendix -- Items examined
Books
Carpenter, Edwin, H. (1973). Early cemeteries of the city of Los Angeles. Los Angeles: Dawson’s Book Shop.
Creason, Glen (2010). Los Angeles in maps. New York: Rizzoli International Publications.
Dinkelspiel, Frances (2008). Towers of gold : how one Jewish immigrant named Isaias Hellman created California. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
Garrigues, George (2009). Los Angeles’s the Palms neighborhood. Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia Publishing.
Miron, George T. (1979). Love affair with the Angeles: Vignettes of old Los Angeles. Long Beach, CA: University Library.
Packman, AnaBegue (1932). Leather dollars: Short stories of pueblo Los Angeles. Los Angeles: Times-Mirror Press.
Shippey, Lee (1950). The Los Angeles book. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Robinson, W. W. (1961). The story of San Fernando Valley. Los Angeles: Title Insurance and Trust Company.
Tiernan, Mary Lee (1999). The Roscoe robbers and the sensational train wrecking of 1894 : greed and dastardly deeds shake the quiet little village of Sunland / The early history of Sunland. Sunland, CA: Snoops Desktop Publishing.
Watson, Virginia, (1967). A child’s history of Chatsworth. Chatsworth, CA: Chatsworth Women’s Club.
Williams, Dino & Alexa, (1992). The story of Hollywoodland: Established in 1923. [Los Angeles?]: Papavasilopoulous Press.
Journals
The Historical Society of Southern California, Eds. The Historical Society of Southern California quarterly. Los Angeles: The Historical Society of Southern California.
VHS tapes
A&E Television Networks (2001). Modern marvels: Los Angeles. New York, N.Y.: A&E Television Networks
KCET Video (1995). Things that aren’t here anymore. Los Angeles: KCET Video.
Southern California Jewish Historical Society (1998). Meet me at Brooklyn & Soto: celebrating the Jewish community of East Los Angeles. Teaneck, NJ: Ergo Media,Inc.