Let’s talk about how to get reluctant weeders more on board with the idea of weeding. Here are some things to consider: Go by the numbers Don’t start pulling materials all willy-nilly (even if it is painfully obvious to you
Category: Practical Librarian
This is the place where we put more serious discussions of librarianship.
Hurdles to Weeding
Here at ALB we feature a book each day. Sometimes they’re funny. Sometimes they’re offensive. Often, we exaggerate the “awful” factor to make a point. Mary and I have short attention spans and get bored easily, so we like to
Weeding: It Ain’t Easy
I love to weed. Love it. That’s no surprise to anyone. Here’s the thing, though: it’s not about the weeding itself. It’s about what you create when you weed. I really love a shiny, clean, up-to-date collection where you know
The PLC
Public Library Core Collection: Nonfiction 13th edition 2008 This reference book (and also database) is more commonly known as the Public Library Catalog, or the PLC. It lists titles that are considered “core” for the average public library nonfiction collection.
“But It’s Historical!”
It seems like every few months we get a flurry of angry comments, emails, etc. on how a certain title would be important for “historical preservation” or in a study of history. History buffs, collectors, and other lovers of the
Customer Service Starts in Circulation
One of the few job hazards of being a public librarian is that everyone asks you why a library has a certain policy or rule. Often it is in areas I can readily explain like Internet filtering, privacy, weeding, etc.
Shelf Balancing, Part 4
(This series was originally published in 2011. All data is as originally published, but the concepts and methods are still valid. Start with Shelf Balancing, Part 1.) Before…books on the very top shelves and very little extra space on any
Shelf Balancing, Part 3
(This series was originally published in 2011. The data is unchanged, since that was such a huge project, but the concepts and methods are still valid. Start with Shelf Balancing, Part 1.) I’ve got the numbers and I know what