ABSTRACT
Negative library growth has been accomplished; the collections have been reduced from 1,495,327 volumes to 1,233,608.5 volumes in less than three years. By reducing all books being returned to “a mass of tiny, confettilike particles,” this system has had truly startling effects. Most importantly, however, the new approach has entirely eliminated the rubbish-picking activities of the curious which, in the past, had created serious litter and public relations problems for the library. It also, of course, represents a major contribution to paper recycling efforts. A few faculty members are unhappy over the loss of their favorite texts but administrators and students alike are extremely pleased since faculty members are forced to update their readings, and their thinking, constantly. A complete 10-page report on the major study entitled Negative Library Growth; How We Run Our Library Excellent is available for $50 from The Molesworth Institute.
