Q: How do I assess a book's condition?

The library uses Amazon's book condition guidelines when assessing books, with minor adaptations for a library setting:

• "Like New: Item may have [minute] cosmetic defects (marks, wears, cuts, bends, crushes) on the cover, spine, pages or dust cover. Dust cover is intact and pages are clean and not marred by notes. Item may contain remainder marks on outside edges. Item may be missing bundle media.
• Very Good: Item may have minor cosmetic defects (marks, wears, cuts, bends, crushes) on the cover, spine, pages or dust cover. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may contain remainder marks on outside edges... Item may be missing bundled media.
• Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
• Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable... Pages may include [moderate] notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable" (emphasis added).
• Poor: Some pages may be ripped or partially/fully detached. The cover may be torn or partially/fully detached. Pages may be faded but not crumbling. The spine may be bowed, cracked, or overextended, but the cover remains intact. The text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Books determined to be in poor condition should be taken to the repair area with a note describing the damage (if damage is not readily apparent). 

Books in condition worse than poor should be taken to collection development to be assessed for deselection and/or replacement.