How valuable is a company programming library?

Question

My company has a library for programming books, to encourage learning new skills. I also see all the marketing by Fog Creek that shows their working library.

Based on different SO user experiences, curious about insight into the following:

1. Is a Programming Library really useful?
2. Does it only work well with small companies?
3. If your company has one, does it have any rules or system?
4. Can the library exist without management buy in?
5. Would you ever contribute to a company library?

Answer 1

This really depends on the books in the library and your companies commitment to personal development. You can get short-term gain out of reference manuals but most of that information can be found easier using Google!

Timeless books like "The Design of Everyday things", "Code Complete" and "The Pragmatic Programmer" can pay dividends over the years; while the "Perl Cookbook", "Visual Basic 3: The Unknown Secrets" and "CGI Programming with C" will likely retain their pristine, uncracked binding.

The books have to be accessible, even if it means giving up some work time for the employees research.

1. Yes if it has the right books.
2. No, but the library has to be accessible. If you have to trek to the corporate headquarters in Tibet to get a book you just won't bother. If your company is large start thinking in terms of department library
3. Not really, if you think a book should be added talk to your manager about it.
4. Yes and no. It can exist but if they are not willing to commit funds to buy books it turns out looking more like the salvation army.
5. I will share books but if I value it I will not give it away unless I have multiple copies.

Answer 2

I had my own library in my office and encouraged my co-workers and the folks who reported to me to make use of it. I got tired of trying to change other people's minds about software development and how to do things. I bought books that interested me and I didn't have to ask permission. When I left the company the books came with me. Buy books that are worth the time to read. Unfortunately many out there are not.

Answer 3

I've never worked anywhere that had a programming library, per se.

I have worked a numerous places where management was much more willing to OK $50.00 to $100.00 for a programming related book or publication than offsite (or even on site) training.

I personally started buying my own references after the first time I changed jobs and had to start over with references I wanted/needed.

Yes, some of them are quickly out-of-date, but others are still prominently on my bookcase and used often.

I would also consider something like purchasing subscriptions to Safari and/or similar online libraries. I keep a subscription there for books that are likely to be dated quickly.

How valuable is all this? Hard to quantify. I believe it allows me to be more productive, higher quality developer and to continue expanding skills with minimal monetary investment and a modest investment of my time.

Answer 4

The programming library at my old company was incredibly useful, since the company also thoughtfully provided us with rickety old cubicles that needed to be leveled occasionally. I honestly never imagined I'd need those Visual Basic 3 manuals ever again.

Answer 5

In my experience...

1. Is a Programming Library really useful?

   It really depends on the developers and the books in the library. At my last company we had a real divide between beginner and expert programmers. Beginners often found intro books handy, and would often work through them. Experts, on the other hand, do find use in reference books, things like design patterns, programming methodologies, and advanced framework and tool books.

2. Does it only work well with small companies?

   I haven't work in any really large companies but I don't see a reason it wouldn't, especially for reference.

3. If your company has one, does it have any rules or system?

   We had one developer maintain the books in his office and make sure people sign them in and out. The books were stamped with the company name. He also continually asked people for suggestions for new books to order.

4. Can the library exist without management buy in?

   Sure, but the better the support I think the more beneficial it will be.

5. Would you ever contribute to a company library?

   I have, especially once I first got my Kindle and got rid of a lot of my "physical" books. But even before that I had contributed books I'd completed.

Answer 6

Good books are valuable.

Good books that are also free are more valuable.

Never had the luxury of a company lending library. I'm a contractor, so I have no "permanent" office. Been buying my own books for 30 years. Some good. Some bad.

My theory is that you shouldn't hesitate: buy books and read them as soon as they're relevant or seem useful. I'd estimate that about half are things you'll never really use. The other half might change your career (and change your life.)

Answer 7

A subscription to Safari Books Online pays for itself. Check out the different rates for individual and group accounts.