Evidently Awful Library Books has made me the go-to person for all things weeding. I actually didn't think my philosophy of weeding made me a radical. Truth be told, I have met a few librarians that are one step short of a guest appearance on the show Hoarders. So for those of you facing resistance to weeding, here is an argument or two for your arsenal.
Hanging on to materials, even if you have room, is not good. Outdated materials can be confused with more current materials. Think of this metaphor: a large garden with just a few viable plants surrounded by weeds. It makes it difficult to get to the “good stuff”. Most library users, even savvy ones, don’t pay attention to publication dates. These dated materials will crowd out the good stuff and make it difficult for patrons to find appropriate materials. Still think it might have value in your collection and you have space? Think about shifting to a different area or create a collection space that geared to the dated materials.
Rethink the value of empty shelves. Empty shelves can also mean the material is popular and we need more. Remember the collection is supposed to be used and circulate, not sit on a shelf doing nothing. Do you really want anyone, especially a politician, walking into your library and seeing crammed shelves, thinking this library has plenty of materials, they don’t need funding?
I really do think we probably need to be more proactive in educating everyone about the value of a good weed. Keep a few examples of some dated material ready for show and tell. Check Awful Library Books for some possible ideas. Maybe we can start by calling it “pruning” or even “shifting”. Is that less scary?
Mary
Rethink the value of empty shelves. Empty shelves can also mean the material is popular and we need more. Remember the collection is supposed to be used and circulate, not sit on a shelf doing nothing. Do you really want anyone, especially a politician, walking into your library and seeing crammed shelves, thinking this library has plenty of materials, they don’t need funding?
I really do think we probably need to be more proactive in educating everyone about the value of a good weed. Keep a few examples of some dated material ready for show and tell. Check Awful Library Books for some possible ideas. Maybe we can start by calling it “pruning” or even “shifting”. Is that less scary?
Mary
You are so right. I was collection development librarian for 20 years and could NOT get the staff to understand that hoarding is not selection.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that you suggested we call it something besides weeding. The librarian who worked at my school before me spent years trying to get the admin to let her weed. I also brought the subject up during my first year and it was like banging your head against the wall. But then, once I started using the term "deselection," they suddenly had a change of heart. It really changed their perspective...
ReplyDeleteCulling, or winnowing, like a herd. You've gotta get the downed cows out of there.
ReplyDeleteActually, I could make the leap that communicating this idea is actually a form of bibliographic instruction, or marketing, of advocating for your library.
Great, gee Mary, there just went my New Year's resolution, commenting on a blog. Dang.