This academic year, DePaul University Library staff committed to purchasing more new library materials from local, independent businesses than ever before. Over the past year, the library has purchased nearly 200 books and 50 vinyl records from local stores including Three Avenues Bookshop (3009 N Southport Ave) and Reckless Records (929 W Belmont Ave).
Grounded in a commitment to local outreach, this effort is inspired by the American Independent Business Alliance study in which it was discovered that “spending at a local independent business puts 3.5 times as much money in your local economy as shopping at a chain store.” Our support of local businesses within the Chicago community also aligns with DePaul’s mission “as an innovative Catholic, Vincentian university anchored in the global city of Chicago.”
It’s not just about the numbers–Library staff also have fun choosing the materials for the collection in real time. Equipped with a combination of patron requests, personal interests, and recommendations from the bookstore and record store staff, library staff were able to browse store collections for the newest and most relevant materials. Buying items in-person rather than online also shortens the timeline between the purchase of an item and its addition to the library shelves by cutting out shipping time, which can take up to several months for some items. Staff also focused on acquiring books and records with local connections, considering items with local subject matter or Chicago-based creators.
Read on for some featured items from amongst the locally bought materials!
Featured Books
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison
Network Effect by Martha Wells
The Lula Cafe Cookbook by Jason Hammel
Featured Vinyl Records
Down in Heaven by Twin Peaks
Distracted by Thundercat
Tropicoqueta by Karol G
The Great Divide by Noah Kahan
References
Haynes, Monica. “Expert Alert: The Economic Impact of Shopping Local.” Expert Alert: The Economic Impact of Shopping Local | UMD News, November 18, 2021. https://news.d.umn.edu/articles/expert-alert-economic-impact-shopping-local.
“Local Economic Return of Indies vs Chains Chart (Web Graphic).” AMIBA, March 4, 2021. https://amiba.net/project/indies-vs-chains-chart/.