I have no idea if the shelf glitch exists in my game because I haven't tested it yet.
My question is, the did bookshelf glitch / bug always exist? Or did on of the patches CAUSE it to start happening?
I prefer playing patch free. But if there is going to be bookshelf issues, then I want to get patch 1.3.
I can answer that. I hadn't installed any patch for about a week after I got Skyrim as I hadn't plugged the net cable in and the shelf bug was present so yes it was always present. If still need confirmation, clear the patches and start a new game and you will see.