When doing research or browsing in the library, have you ever found part of a book, newspaper or journal missing or defaced? Mutilation of library materials is a serious problem facing all libraries. Library materials are subject to a range of intentional mutilation. Some people like to write notes, highlight, or annotate a text in books they've borrowed. Others mutilate books to convey a personal message of political, religious, or social belief. Books and journal articles are cut out because people can't be bothered to use the photocopier. Some remove pages because they want to be the only one in their class able to read that chapter or article. Sound selfish?
The UCSD Libraries replace over a thousand pages each month, most of them deliberately damaged. That's a lot of staff time to locate copies in other institutions to make photocopy replacements.
You may not think it's any big deal until the information you want is gone!
What can you do?
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Photocopy what you need without putting excessive pressure on the volume.
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Take notes on paper, not in the book.
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Put away your highlighter when using library books.
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Find an appropriate place to voice your opinions other than in library materials.
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If you find defaced or damaged materials, please bring them to the nearest service desk.
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If you see people damaging library materials remember, it is YOUR money they're wasting! Report them immediately to the nearest service desk.
