I had a book that was requested.  There was discoloration on the outer edges of the book. Other than that the book was in great shape. It looked like foxing to me. There was no odor of mildew. It was just an older book.  Because of the discoloration, I sent the requester a PM and explained the discoloration. She decided to pass on the book, which is fine with me. I don't want to disappoint anyone. She was giving the book as a gift and I understand her not wanting to give this book. I am so glad I asked before sending out the book.

My question is, what happens next? Can she request the same book from another member? Which I hope she can. I want to know in case I chose to refuse a book.

Should I take my book off my book shelf? Should I keep it on the shelf and just make sure whoever requests it knows about the foxing?

Just wondering what others would do in this situation.

DM

She needs to cancel so that you do not lose your place in the FIFO line. It is nice of you to notify people about the foxing but is not required because foxing, but not mold, is acceptable and not unusual to find in older books.

When she requests the book again, it will come back to you so she needs to set up an RC so you can decline it without losing your spot. The other member can turn off or delete her RC after requesting another copy.

    Because you PMed her and she does not want your copy it would be my thinking that you should be the one that cancels..... I could be wrong however.

If it is a wishlist book, you should cancel.  If it is a FIFO book, she needs to cancel.

Thanks Mary.  I was just getting ready to post the same thing.

Looks like she cancelled her request. Thanks for your help. Still trying to learn the ins and outs.

DM

This is why it's really best NOT to PM.  If your book meets the PBS posting guidelines, there is really not a need for further communication. If the requestor wants a book in better shape than what PBS allows or has special conditions, they need to have an RC in place. That way, if your book doesn't meet her more stringent conditions, you can decline right up front and she can request it from the next person in line with the book. The way things stand now, since she just cancelled, if she orders it again from FIFO, it will be your copy she requests again.

Cheryl

I did not know what foxing ment.

From Wikipedia:

Although unsightly and a negative factor in the value of the paper item for collectors, foxing does not affect the actual integrity of the paper.