Maybe instead of chiding libraries for failing to make patrons view
materials through bullet-proof glass, we should ask why book and art
dealers so frequently traffic in stolen goods; why they are sometimes
little better than high-end pawn-brokers, preferring to make a good buy
rather than ask questions; why some are thieves themselves--at least a
couple have been mentioned on this list in the past few months. Right?
I think we would be better off acknowledging that because libraries
exist for the public good and their materials are there to be used, bad
actors will find ways to steal, mutilate or destroy those materials.
Libraries can, and do, try to prevent theft and damage; but certainly,
some should do more. But in most libraries, security runs up against
access and money. People give money for books; people give money for
buildings; nobody gives money to improve security. And where access and
security clash, access has to win, otherwise libraries aren't serving
their primary function. So again, books will be stolen. And chances
are, sooner or later, they will fall into dealers' hands. Dealers can,
and do, try to identify stolen materials and make sure they get back
where they belong; but certainly, some should do more.