Comments on: California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, to destroy books for Starbucks http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/ Protect yourself from government gaffes, bureaucratic blunders and incumbent incompetence Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:55:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Bobhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-46261 Bob Fri, 01 Jun 2007 16:31:50 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-46261 I thought all you Californians like to recycle? I thought all you Californians like to recycle?

]]> By: Michael Hamptonhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-40247 Michael Hampton Sat, 07 Apr 2007 01:31:36 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-40247 You might try reading yourself. The article you referenced is linked directly above in comment 15. You might try reading yourself. The article you referenced is linked directly above in comment 15.

]]> By: Interested Patronhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-40218 Interested Patron Fri, 06 Apr 2007 19:50:05 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-40218 I believe that the numbers are incorrect in this article. For more information on the truth about the boxed items, please read the following article. It may open your eyes to the truth. I believe that the numbers are incorrect in this article. For more information on the truth about the boxed items, please read the following article. It may open your eyes to the truth.

]]> By: library staffhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36637 library staff Sat, 17 Mar 2007 09:35:49 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36637 I work in the same library that Bruce Emerton works. This whole thing has caused the library nothing but bad reputation. Now we are asked about this “book dumping” all the time. Personally I think Bruce is using his campaign to embarrass the dean for his personal reasons. From years of working in the library and personal observation, I can say that he’s always had issues with the dean. It seemed like Bruce would challenge the dean’s decision at every library meetings that I have attended.Maybe his personal grudge with the dean has nothing to do with his effort of saving the books. But he’s definitely omitted a lot of information and sometime misled the audience. For example, he makes everyone believe that the library just “dumped” the books without safeguarding them first. As far as I know, it took months and proper procedures to withdraw these books. Also he’s never told you that we asked other institutions if they wanted our materials before discarding them. Because other institutions do not keep outdated materials, they refuse our materials. I work in the same library that Bruce Emerton works. This whole thing has caused the library nothing but bad reputation. Now we are asked about this “book dumping” all the time. Personally I think Bruce is using his campaign to embarrass the dean for his personal reasons. From years of working in the library and personal observation, I can say that he’s always had issues with the dean. It seemed like Bruce would challenge the dean’s decision at every library meetings that I have attended.

Maybe his personal grudge with the dean has nothing to do with his effort of saving the books. But he’s definitely omitted a lot of information and sometime misled the audience. For example, he makes everyone believe that the library just “dumped” the books without safeguarding them first. As far as I know, it took months and proper procedures to withdraw these books. Also he’s never told you that we asked other institutions if they wanted our materials before discarding them. Because other institutions do not keep outdated materials, they refuse our materials.

]]> By: Jameshttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36372 James Wed, 14 Mar 2007 22:04:47 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36372 I'm sorry, but I must retract the comment that I made earlier. Apparently all is not as it seems. Emerton has omitted several facts in his campaign and has effectively clouded the truth.The responses that I received from archivist and special collections and music librarian Danette Cook Adamson and collection management coordinator Ann Morgan are too detailed to list here. Please see my post, <a href="http://www.macmanx.com/blog/2007/03/14/cal-poly-pomona-is-not-destroying-books-for-a-starbucks/">Cal Poly Pomona is not Destroying Books for a Starbucks</a>, for more info. I’m sorry, but I must retract the comment that I made earlier. Apparently all is not as it seems. Emerton has omitted several facts in his campaign and has effectively clouded the truth.

The responses that I received from archivist and special collections and music librarian Danette Cook Adamson and collection management coordinator Ann Morgan are too detailed to list here. Please see my post, Cal Poly Pomona is not Destroying Books for a Starbucks, for more info.

]]> By: Michael Hamptonhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36282 Michael Hampton Wed, 14 Mar 2007 01:08:04 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36282 That sounds like a fairly easy mistake to make when you're dealing with hundreds of thousands of books, which are bound to have more than one rare collection among them. And from what I understand, every book currently in storage is at risk of being thrown away anyway.As for getting rid of the books, they could try eBay. I hear you can sell anything there. That sounds like a fairly easy mistake to make when you’re dealing with hundreds of thousands of books, which are bound to have more than one rare collection among them. And from what I understand, every book currently in storage is at risk of being thrown away anyway.

As for getting rid of the books, they could try eBay. I hear you can sell anything there.

]]> By: Gracehttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36281 Grace Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:49:36 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36281 Sure, it makes sense you're skeptical, I guess. Here's a quick example of the information I think is wrong. With the more detailed stuff, I can't elaborate because it gets into all these numbers I don't have. But basically, I knew something was wrong when Bruce said that this rare collection of environmental design books was thrown away. Of couse, when I heard about it through the college of ENV, I was appalled because the collection was supposed to be really rare -- like the only one in Southern California rare. I checked with someone and it turned out it wasn't in the library. BUT, it wasn't thrown out either. It's in storage and they said it definitely would not have ben thrown away. I figure they couldn't lie about it because when the library reopens the collection will be there. How can you pretend it's not gone, you know? And, I know this is jsut hearsay, but I believe the person who told me, but she said that they tried to give away the thrown out stuff, but other libraries and groups didn't want them either. I totally think they should have recycled though. If you want more info, maybe if you called the Library faculty adn staff and college of ENV staff you'll hear more from them directly? When I talked to them, they were open about it... but I'm not sure if they'll be more tightlipped if you're a reporter or blogger or something... Sure, it makes sense you’re skeptical, I guess. Here’s a quick example of the information I think is wrong. With the more detailed stuff, I can’t elaborate because it gets into all these numbers I don’t have. But basically, I knew something was wrong when Bruce said that this rare collection of environmental design books was thrown away. Of couse, when I heard about it through the college of ENV, I was appalled because the collection was supposed to be really rare — like the only one in Southern California rare. I checked with someone and it turned out it wasn’t in the library. BUT, it wasn’t thrown out either. It’s in storage and they said it definitely would not have ben thrown away. I figure they couldn’t lie about it because when the library reopens the collection will be there. How can you pretend it’s not gone, you know? And, I know this is jsut hearsay, but I believe the person who told me, but she said that they tried to give away the thrown out stuff, but other libraries and groups didn’t want them either. I totally think they should have recycled though. If you want more info, maybe if you called the Library faculty adn staff and college of ENV staff you’ll hear more from them directly? When I talked to them, they were open about it… but I’m not sure if they’ll be more tightlipped if you’re a reporter or blogger or something…

]]> By: Michael Hamptonhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36253 Michael Hampton Tue, 13 Mar 2007 18:33:14 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36253 And how do you know "the three people" you talked to weren't the ones being extreme and giving you false information? And, what information is false? And how do you know “the three people” you talked to weren’t the ones being extreme and giving you false information? And, what information is false?

]]> By: Gracehttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36251 Grace Tue, 13 Mar 2007 18:27:42 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36251 It's Grace again. Yes, I know Bruce. I actually supported him at the beginning, but then I began talking to more people and getting more information. I won't tell you the identities of the three people I talked to because they're so sick of being put in the middle. But, for me, in the end, I learned he's extreme and purposely giving out false information. That's when he lost my support. I still like him as a person though. He's usually a nice guy. It’s Grace again. Yes, I know Bruce. I actually supported him at the beginning, but then I began talking to more people and getting more information. I won’t tell you the identities of the three people I talked to because they’re so sick of being put in the middle. But, for me, in the end, I learned he’s extreme and purposely giving out false information. That’s when he lost my support. I still like him as a person though. He’s usually a nice guy.

]]> By: Citizen Xhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36113 Citizen X Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:20:00 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36113 "That’s right, “California Polytechnic State University, Pomona” and “Cal Poly” are the property of the State of California, and using the name without permission is a crime under California state law."In some states (I believe California is one) the state owns the state code, or, at least parts of it. That means that you cannot reprint its laws without the state's permission. You could be prosecuted for posting the state law verbatim on a website. And here I thought ignorance of the law was no excuse. I guess you just have to buy a copy of it. “That’s right, “California Polytechnic State University, Pomona” and “Cal Poly” are the property of the State of California, and using the name without permission is a crime under California state law.”

In some states (I believe California is one) the state owns the state code, or, at least parts of it. That means that you cannot reprint its laws without the state’s permission. You could be prosecuted for posting the state law verbatim on a website. And here I thought ignorance of the law was no excuse. I guess you just have to buy a copy of it.

]]> By: P Campbellhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36055 P Campbell Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:29:06 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-36055 Oh, what the hell. It's only taxpayer money. Always more where that comes from;) Oh, what the hell. It’s only taxpayer money. Always more where that comes from;)

]]> By: H to the Qhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-35886 H to the Q Fri, 09 Mar 2007 23:59:58 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-35886 Dan has a great point about contacting Google to take in the books. Many of those books could be rare first editions, and the proceeds could goto funding the library. Great call Dan! Dan has a great point about contacting Google to take in the books. Many of those books could be rare first editions, and the proceeds could goto funding the library. Great call Dan!

]]> By: Dan Garthwaitehttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-35880 Dan Garthwaite Fri, 09 Mar 2007 23:05:11 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-35880 I just wrote google in the business proposal department. Google has a massive book scanning plant, and many of these books are statistically certain to be rare, if not sole sources, of the content.Let's hope google contacts the librarian and immortalizes these books for everyone I just wrote google in the business proposal department. Google has a massive book scanning plant, and many of these books are statistically certain to be rare, if not sole sources, of the content.

Let’s hope google contacts the librarian and immortalizes these books for everyone

]]> By: H to the Qhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-35876 H to the Q Fri, 09 Mar 2007 22:15:52 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-35876 It is understandable that old books get tossed all the time. What might be the sad point here, is that many colleges will 'pimp' themselves to bring more money/corporate sponsorship onto their campuses. Coffee and books go together well, but IF this is a case of 'selling out' to corporate money, than it's bulls**t. What Cal Poly should have done, was to be forthright about the library changes, the downsizing of the books, and that there was a plan already in place. If Cal Poly is finding a convenient excuse to toss old books only for attracting Starbucks, then the ethical issue flag should be called. In all likelihood, the passionate librarian will leave, Starbucks will move in and contribute to new books being bought for Cal Poly, along with new computers, etc. -And this whole little drama ordeal will pass into history! It is understandable that old books get tossed all the time. What might be the sad point here, is that many colleges will ‘pimp’ themselves to bring more money/corporate sponsorship onto their campuses. Coffee and books go together well, but IF this is a case of ’selling out’ to corporate money, than it’s bulls**t.
What Cal Poly should have done, was to be forthright about the library changes, the downsizing of the books, and that there was a plan already in place. If Cal Poly is finding a convenient excuse to toss old books only for attracting Starbucks, then the ethical issue flag should be called.
In all likelihood, the passionate librarian will leave, Starbucks will move in and contribute to new books being bought for Cal Poly, along with new computers, etc.
-And this whole little drama ordeal will pass into history!

]]> By: Sarahhttp://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-35870 Sarah Fri, 09 Mar 2007 21:52:14 +0000 http://www.homelandstupidity.us/2007/03/08/california-polytechnic-state-university-pomona-to-destroy-books-for-starbucks/#comment-35870 Hi (again)! You know, even if these articles are incorrect and blowing this situation out of proportion, the pictures of books in trash bins - yes, thousands of them - is a bad sign. It is wasteful, and disrespectful. Also, even if it is only a "personal vendetta thing" that Bruce Emerton is acting out on, if that's all it really is, why does the University feel the need to silence him? Students were reported as shouting disrespectfully at University President Ortiz during the Pizza with the Presidents - are they going to be "silenced" with a Cease and Desist Order, too?There's just a lot that's not right here. Hi (again)! You know, even if these articles are incorrect and blowing this situation out of proportion, the pictures of books in trash bins – yes, thousands of them – is a bad sign. It is wasteful, and disrespectful. Also, even if it is only a “personal vendetta thing” that Bruce Emerton is acting out on, if that’s all it really is, why does the University feel the need to silence him? Students were reported as shouting disrespectfully at University President Ortiz during the Pizza with the Presidents – are they going to be “silenced” with a Cease and Desist Order, too?

There’s just a lot that’s not right here.

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