Dear all:
This whole thing is a piece of nonesense.
Every special collections librarian depends to some extent upon dealer
catalogues. Every library depends to some extent upon booksellers'
catalogues.
We see jobs advertised here and vacant positions announced.
None of this is "commerce" in the sense that violates any academic
institution's rules regarding usage of the <.edu>. Indeed, if it is so
interpreted, it is perhaps time for that institution's professional
librarians to object. Many serious dealer catalogues provide essential
information - booksellers' catalogues are an integral part of the vibrant
life of an institution's library and its activities.
I hope this policy is not our moderator's vendetta (I do not know him) and
would like to think there is a less malignant reason.
If booksellers cannot use this venue to offer their catalogues to the
scholarly world then it is a sad time indeed. Instead of an index of
prohibited books we now have a venue that prohibits catalogues!
Let us put this into perspective.
And lighten up.
(Prof) Frank (who also happens to be a dealer)