Advantages and Disadvantages of Stock Verification

Some of the advantages  and disadvantages of stock verification are listed in this section. 

Advantages 

•  By revealing  the number of books lost  in a library it helps to replace the lost books. 

•  Gives an indication of books popular with readers although often  in academic libraries such books are not necessarily those recommended in the course. 

•  Enables the library staff to get a better acquaintance with the books, which is very necessary for the maintenance staff. 

•  Ensures thorough dusting, cleaning and rearrangement. 

•  Facilitates identification of worn-out books for mending, repair and binding. 

•  Helps to keep the library catalogue and other stock control records up-to-date. 

•  Gives an indication of the efficiency of the library staff with reference to vigilance and carefulness in maintaining the collection. 

Disadvantages 

•  Regular routine of library work gets disturbed 

•  Inconvenience to readers is caused; 

•  Considered to be a waste of time, energy and money by some; 

•  May turn out to be a futility since the reality may never be revealed for various reasons.