The Oberlin College Library Book Sale is a popular event held every two years in the fall. In the past few years the sale has been successfully held on Parents Weekend, attracting a large crowd and garnering several thousand dollars for the library's book purchasing fund. Friends of the Oberlin College Library are traditionally given the first opportunity to purchase the bargain books, and students are particularly encouraged to join the Friends at this time. Much planning and preparation goes into the book sale. Decisions need to made as to how to deal with eager book dealers, which triggers philosophical discussions about the goals and purpose of a book sale and the gifts policy in general.
Publicity is a crucial part of the planning process.
There are many details to be planned regarding the actual staging of the sale, including the enlistment of library staff and student help, scheduling, and acknowledgment of assistance given. In all of its many aspects and varied tasks, the book sale engages the planner from beginning to end.