Some Weeding Resolutions for 2023
So here is part 2.
For your new year’s resolution, commit to frequent weeding.
Go slow. Weeding is something that is best done in small bites. Don’t load a cart and overwhelm yourself and everyone else. Think about devoting 10-20 minutes a day or limit yourself to 5-10 items at a crack. Take a look at this old post from Holly. If it is a huge project, make a plan.
Be mindful of the intended audience. Is it for teens? or is it for teens back in 1990? Check how it is cataloged. Would it do better shelved elsewhere?
Is this the best medium for this information? Books aren’t always the best choice for certain topics. Would a video or streaming content be better?
Integrate DEI into all aspects of collection management. Does your collection reflect many voices and perspectives? See this post and this post.
Finally, if you have to/want to do something, and just want to phone it in without thinking too much, try the following:
Duplicates and damaged materials. (Caveat: Don’t get caught up in saving books with tape and staff time. This can be a time/money/budget suck).
Move then to the obvious weeds: anything with a date in the title over a few years. (Think travel books, income tax materials, exam prep books, etc).
Even if this is all you are able to do, you will have accomplished more than you think.
Peace, love, and stable library funding for 2023
Mary and Holly