16.3 Unique Disposal Items – Books

There are many state entities that maintain books for their operations. Particularly, universities, colleges, and technical colleges – and their corresponding libraries – expend considerable funds to maintain current resources. Since books are durable, they meet the criteria of personal property and must be disposed of in accordance with applicable surplus laws and regulations. They are unique, however, because depending on their subject, they may appreciate, or become so obsolete as to be worthless.

Agencies should make every effort to segregate books for disposal (as any other property) in a timely manner and by genre. An inventory with title, author, and ISBN will greatly increase the value of the sale. Books will be offered for redistribution and then sold as any other property. Books that are not redistributed or sold may be offered to local nonprofit organizations after all other disposal methods. If they must be destroyed, this should be accomplished through a paper recycling program.