The Art of Weeding

von Mayrhauser, Heidi

Chant, I.  (2015).  The art of weeding.  Library Journal, 140(11), 34-37.

Notes Summary: Weed gradually instead of all at once, as this makes the process easier and will prevent tension.  If the public or staff sees high numbers of books being thrown out, controversy can arise.  In addition to weeding slowly, communication and transparency about weeding policies can help.  Inviting patrons on tours and showing how the library is maintained can help.  You can keep outdated materials as examples to illustrate the need for weeding.  The article recommends weeding first by numbers and reports, then having a librarian check the report to look for classics, local authors/interests, books by authors about the release a new title, and last copies in the system.  Weed for age when the book needs to contain relevant information.  An example from the article, "Jennifer LaGarde, educator on loan for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and a 2012 LJ Mover & Shaker, recalls a title she came across while thinning out a reference section during her first year as a school librarian.  The book stated confidently that "scientists do not believe HIV is transmitted through sexual content."  Alternatives for the dumpster are sending the books to a book sale and using them to create arts and crafts.

Evaluation:  This article was helpful for me, as I have not done a great deal of weeding.  I can relate to the public's distress over seeing dumpsters full of books, so I appreciated that the article addresses this and provides recommendations for preventing tension.  Weeding slowly and being transparent and open about what is going on should help to inform and educate concerned citizens.