Scott's Catalogs And The Library

I went to the library today. I had not been there for quite some time. I went to where the Scott's catalogs used to be and they were not there. The children's section and the fiction sections had greatly expanded. The non fiction section is now just three rows of books. The only philatelic book left was the one you can buy at the post office and it was from 2008. I asked the librarian and she told me that I could transfer them in or go to the main library. I was a bit disappointed. The main library is a pain to park at and my little branch library had been so convenient. My wife never goes to the library without first going online and reserving the books. I may have to convert. I suppose this is progress of some sort, but so much of this so called progress removes human contact. I can see the day coming when the library is either fully online or has a pick up on reserve type service.

I agree. Unfortunately, I'm part of the problem. I download library books to my Kindle.

Yes, I can remember when the library had many more stamp catalogs. I did an online search yesterday in hopes of some international catalogs, but found zip. This was in King county, state of Washington. The county has about 20 or so branches and does not have a main branch, so checking online is the only real way to locate a book. I guess there is always ebay if I decide to update my non-usa catalogs.
regards, yakboomer.

I think part of it may be that the Scott catalogs have become so expensive, and their use may be so limited, that a small branch can't justify the purchase. (I bought a full new set for 2013, including US Specialized & Classic Specialized, and at the best prices I could find, it was still close to $700.) It's fortunate that your main library still has them, and that they circulate. You wife may have the right idea about this!

I live in the Los Angeles area, and, in addition to the smaller cities that have their own libraries (which is mostly what I use), there's the Los Angeles City library system and also the LA County library system. I just went and counted -- the City library has 73 branches, and the County has 87. I find it convenient that I don't have to go chase down a volume at a particular branch, but can just go online and request it to be transferred to the closest branch to me. (They only charge you if you *don't* pick it up!)

-- Dave

k

Kim, I do it once every 15 years or so, whether I need to or not ...

(It actually came from moving this year, and no longer being as close as I used to be to a library that updated its set every year.)

-- Dave

Kim: And would be happy to do a price-check on anything you need. (It's rare I have current info! "Take advantage of this limited offer.")

-- Dave

I will email you the list of the first 50,000. If you survive that, I'll email you the rest of the list in corresponding increments...

k

But seriously, there are quite a few stamps and minor varieties that are only listed in the Scott Classic. My last edition is 2007 for the Classic. I've been free-loading off Jeri for the past 2 years. Certainly don't want you to feel left out.

And I see that the Classic is already sold out (besides being ridiculously expensive). So please don't hesitate -- tell Jeri to share.

That's OK, I've got friends who can afford it!

Your friend,
k

My set of Scott's is from 2009. My Classic is 2008. I am sorry to see that the classic has sold out. I have seen it and it has a lot more "on cover" listings than my 2008 version does. I have never bought them new. I bought this set last year and it replaced a set from 2002. I do like to check out the current issues from the library to update things. Reserving the books online will not be that big of a deal. I think I am being a bit nostalgic for the days of browsing at the library.

Zipper,
I tried the Kindle. My daughter gave me her old one. I don't like it. I want books with their tattered and dogeared pages.

My way of living with the Scott catalogs so far has been to buy a year old set every 3 or 4 years...i upgraded from 2008 to 2012 (the 6 volumes not the U.S. Specialized) for $202.00. I use them quite a bit...a shrewd friend of mine only purchase the pages he needs for a few dollars on ebay..it works for him ..he only collects a few areas...i look at everything !!

I just purchase the 2012 CLASSIC FROM Sergio Sismondo for $75.00 during the Chicagopex stamp show because he just purchased the 2013 copy for himself.He paid $125.00 for the new copy .For those who don't know him he is the best CLASSICS expert alive ,also a very friendly philatelist.
Have to agree with PJSSTAMPS there is a good feel to having my own reference books .

Philatarium is correct. The Scott catalogs are way too expensive for the average library to carry anymore. I don't know about some areas, but the libraries in my area have huge financial problems and have limited hours, staff and other resources. Many have been threatened with closure unless money is added to the budgets through local election voting. Having said that, one of the chespest ways to get a set is through library book sales when you can get an older set for peanuts. I'm still sticking with my 2006 set as I really just need the older catalog numbers and descriptions. I ignore the catalog values since I deal mainly with covers these days. Maybe I'll get the classics catalog someday....used.

Happy New Year Battlestamps ! We may go up to the 3rd Sunday stamp show this month !!