I know I’ve mentioned before how much I love seeing maps in books, especially in mystery books. I believe maps were probably more popular in the golden age of mysteries, so seeing them in books now is always a treat. But you know what I really don’t like?
When it’s a library copy and this happens:
I know the book has to be protected with a book jacket and that has to be firmly put in place but do you see that I can’t make out all of the map. What’s hidden underneath that flap?
Maybe I should check out the back and see if I can make it out right?
I can make a few other things out but what’s this white sticker on there? I guess this means I should get my own copy and enjoy the maps right?
In case you are wondering the book is Where Memories Lie by Deborah Crombie, which is what I’m reading right now.
How about you, got some bookish pet peeves to share?
Totally understand your frustration, Iliana. I’d be if I were you too! Can’t wait to hear what you’ll think of this book! 🙂
OK, so you really want to know the scoop about the book? I see it is from the North Village Branch and that white sticker is the RFID tag. That is a specialized radio frequency tag that allows the branch to check in a stack of books all at one time – or that’s the theory anyway. That branch is one of the newest and their books are equipped with that technology – not sure if they are using it yet. I helped over there before they opened, but I haven’t been back since. If they aren’t using it now, they will be eventually. It’s what will be used in the new central library that is supposed to open in a couple of years.
More than you wanted to know I’m sure. By the way, you can loosen that filament tape on the front flap and open the dust cover. Depending on how old the book is anyway. I used to be the one who processed all the new books at my branch and sometimes Ingram would miss taping down the dust cover. I’m pretty good at pulling that tape and also putting new on. 🙂
Enjoy your book, Iliana. LOL
I just read Kay’s comment and I am like ‘wow’! 🙂
That would annoy me as well. I understand why the tag is needed, but isn’t there anywhere else where it could be placed?
That tag is really a radio frequency one. I am impressed by technology.
I work at a library and we always put the barcode on the next page if the book has a map or anything else that the patron might need to see. And we never put anything on the back so that you can at least see as much of the map as possible. Sorry your reading experience was spoiled (so not what the library is about), maybe you could mention it to your library staff and see if the placement of the barcode in the future could be moved so that doesn’t happen again.
Whoever got that book ready for the shelf did a terrible job! I’ve not run into that but the taped on bookcovers sometimes get in the way. I carefully removed one once because I was desperate and then very carefully put it back on.
I’ve seen those tags in books from my library, but they generally stick them on a blank page. I’d be just as frustrated as you are!
That is a problem with library books–at my library the cover comes off entirely. We make sure nothing is covered up on those end papers when they are illustrated so the bar code goes a page or two in. Public libraries process their books differently and it is a pity that so much gets covered up–I also often want to read the blurbs on the front cover or inside jacket–very annoying indeed. My peeve is dirty library books–but I guess there’s no way to avoid that (except only request new books!).
I know how you feel! Lazy librarians 🙂
the thought of getting in irate librarian just scared the carp out of me. so i retract the above! i guess librarians just have to treat all books the same .. but even then. well, if the book’s worth it, buy it and revel in those maps!
This always bothers me as well. Or when the summary on the inside page is covered up by library stuff. But I guess that is the trade-off when you borrow books and really I can’t complain too much as I go to the library so often that they save me tons of money 🙂 Seriously though, I love the map with this book and am already checking the book out on Goodreads to see if I will like it as well. Enjoy!
I like maps in books too. I cant stand it when books have writing inside or are stained.
I share this same pet peeve with you. That is really frustrating!