In 2012 the Preservation Standing Committee began sponsoring the Worst Book Contest. Not the worst book ever read but rather the book owned by a library that is in the worst physical condition. There is no publication date restriction and books in any condition qualify, including those with water and temperature damage, mold, insect and pest infestation, atmospheric pollutants, age, food, etc.
The winner each year is announced just prior to the annual meeting.
Winners
The 2017 winner is Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Library, submitting Gideon’s Trumpet. Learn more about the 2017 winner.
The 2016 winner is Supreme Court of Ohio, submitting The Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, v. 2 (1814). Learn more about the 2016 winner and see other entries.
The 2015 winner is Law Library of Louisiana, submitting The Second Part of the Parellele or Conference of the Civil Law, the Canon Law, and the Common Law of this Realme of England (1618). Learn more about the 2015 winner and see other entries.
The 2014 winner is University of Colorado Law School William A. Wise Law Library, submitting Dissertationum juris controversi, tam in hispalensi, quam granatensi senatu… (1675). Learn more about the 2014 winner and see other entries.
The 2013 winner is University of St. Thomas Schoenecker Law Library, submitting De Fictionibus Iuris Tractatus Quinque (copyright 1659).Learn more about the 2013 winner and see other entries.