I've got a minor ethical dilemma

[jabba]

here is my crummy opinion....

I was never one for autographed stuff unless it was personalized for me. I can understand that there exists a market for this type of stuff but you seem to be more interested in the book (and the information inside it) than the market value of a signed copy. From your post, you don't seem to want to profit from the book therefore how important is the autograph to you? If you plan on just keeping a copy of the book for future reading I don't see the autograph being that important anyway.

Anyway, it seems like you already know the right thing to do with the book so this is probably a moot point anyway.

 

[Cparker]

Ok, a couple of caveats: 1. I am not a person who collects autographs or memorabilia 2. I am not a baseball fan.

The book is on loan, so the only way to ethically retain the book is to inform the libray of your interest in the signed copy, and if the libary agrees, purchase the book or provide a replacement.

I presume that since this books is such a hallmark in baseball history, the author's signature has value to baseball memorabilia collectors. From what little I understand about collecting autographs, the value of the autograph is directly related to supply, meaning a deceased, popular player's autographs have more value. I know from persons who collect presidential signatures that Jimmy Carter's signature is worth less not only because he is still alive but also because he signed so many books and articles of collectors, while other living president's who are less available have autographs worth more to collector's.

By the ebay reference, it appears thsi man's signature has value to other baseball fans, but it would seem that if this author is still alive, his signature is still somewhat obtainable. If the signature is of value to you personally based on the author's impact on baseball, perhaps you could write him and relay this story, and send him another copy of the book or perhaps he has a copy he would autograph for you.

If the book is of value and the libray could auction the book to raise funds for the public library, which in most areas is always in need of money, maybe call a local TV station who would like a positive human interest story, and maybe this would compel a reticent author to give you a signed copy of the book with an autograph you can authenticate.

Just a thought. I know from your post you will do the right thing, but nothing wrong with being creative in doing the right thing and still getting the autographed copy of the book.

Was it a good book ?

Cparker

 

[mysterea]

That's a tough call. I'd go to the library and talk to the librarian about 'making a donation of books / cash' and see if they'd be willing to let it go.
As it was mentioned, it might be a fake. Of course, if it was gained through an estate or something it might be totally real.

Good luck E-money!

Rob

 

[tone-ny]

Food for thought - how would your local library end up with a copy of the signed book? As identical as it may appear, there's no guarantee it's actually his autograph (there's no shortage of great fakes, not simply limited to our endeavor of cigars), outside of verifying it with the man himself, or his publishing house. Perhaps he did a book signing tour and one of those copies made its way through donation or otherwise to your library.

Practically speaking, your local library, even if you told them, would likely care less. Nonetheless, if it were me, I'd advise them of what they have on their hands and, depending on their response, would thereafter offer to purchase the book. Otherwise, I'd return it to the rightful "owners" and have a clear conscience.

:thumbs:

Best course of action

 

[Mrepp]

It wouldn't surprised me if he signed X number for copies and the library was one of the first to place there orders, they tend to just say well buy what ever is new this month. That aside what everyone is saying is basically karma, what goes around comes around, and jacking a book is a silly way to get bad karma flying back at ya.

 

[BlindedByScience]

Practically speaking, your local library, even if you told them, would likely care less. Nonetheless, if it were me, I'd advise them of what they have on their hands and, depending on their response, would thereafter offer to purchase the book. Otherwise, I'd return it to the rightful "owners" and have a clear conscience.

Right answer. Would you "enjoy" the book down the road if you knew you came by it, through "less than honest" means...?? I wouldn't.....

Regards - B.B.S.

 

[wasy]

You have enough input on the ethics but I will say that I collect autographed sports memoribilia. It's in the library for a reason! It aint worth the paper its printed on!

 

[KayakinBoy]

I know one thing...If my baseball idol, Nolan Ryan, had signed any book...I'd buy them another one.

Eshaw knows that's my childhood hero. When he retired, so did most of my love for baseball. I remember being a kid and my grandparents helping me find stuff about him. I might have to agree with you, just because it'd be hard to hand back.

Call them up, ask them about buying it. Honesty is always the best policy. You might be rewarded (Karma-wise) for letting them know, and they might just sell it to you.

*Edit* Please tell me you were taking your kids to the library and not just being a nerd. :sign: :laugh: