Merit Badge Pamphlet Libraries

[optimist]

One of the problems with running a web site with nearly 1000 web pages is you can't remember every page you've ever created. I ran into an oldie but a goodie today and I thought I'd share it.

http://www.meritbadge.com/info/library.htm

[ICanCanoeCanU]

Certainly is a good one! Our troop continually adds to our library as we have found that although meritbadge.com lists all the requirements for a MB, the pamphlet has all the detailed information which is much more useful. Also, having a troop Liberian gives another scout a position of responsibility and keeping them organized doesn't take as much work if keep up with through out every year.

[West]

We have an extensive libary going back to the 30s. Obvioulsy not all of it's real usefull anymore, but it's all intresting.

[committee member]

1) Can anyone help with ideas about setting up a lending troop library where the scout may give a deposit which partially returned upon the return in good condition of the MB pamphlet that was borrowed. Funds collected through the partial retainer could go to purchasing new pamphlets? (For example if the book cost $4.50 to replace, take a $4.50 deposit and return $3.00 once the pamphlet comes back in good condition. If it is damaged or lost, replace it with the $4.50 deposit and move on.)

2) Is there any freeware software that exists to track pamphlet lending based on the date it was checked out?

Thanks for any suggestions and comments based on your experiences.

[RWSmith]

2) Is there any freeware software that exists to track pamphlet lending based on the date it was checked out?

Let's split this software question off into a new topic into the geek forum...

Please, go here: Software for Tracking Merit Badge Phamplet Library? to continue discussing software portion of this thread.

[AquilaNegra2]

Since we are a fairly new troop, we simply let the parents of the boy wanting to work on the badge buy the booklet. It then goes into a long-term loan (meaning they can have it back if they ever want it; only one family keeps theirs) for the troop library. For families in exigent circumstances where $4 is a hardship (yep, have one of those), the troop purchases the booklet.

Many are available online for those not wanting to purchase them. But we are up to almost half of the badges in a year's time. At no troop expense.

[Cowboy]

Our Troop purchases any that are needed. If a boy buys one because we do not have it, we usually offer to purchase it from him when he is done with the MB. Most of our Troop funds come from fund raisers that the boys conduct throughout the year, so we figure they have already paid for them. If a boy needs one from the troop, he just checks it out through the Librarian. We also assume that as a Boy Scout they will replace any lost or damage booklet. So far not an issue.