The document discusses the process of weeding or deselection in libraries, defining it as the examination of items in a collection to identify those for permanent removal based on specific criteria. It outlines reasons for weeding, which can include circulation patterns, space constraints, and curriculum changes, and factors for consideration such as condition, currency, and usage. Additionally, it highlights the challenges and politics involved in weeding, emphasizing the need for a well-thought-out plan and preparedness for potential community objections.

1. WHEN WEEDING
BECOMES A NECESSITY
.......
Robert J. Bremer
Ellender Memorial Library
Nicholls State University
robert.bremer@nicholls.edu
Copyright Robert J. Bremer 2012

2. Weeding/Deselection: Defined . . .
▪ “The process of examining items in a library
collection title by title to identify for
permanent withdrawal those that meet pre-
established weeding criteria.”
▪ “In book and nonprint collections, the process
of identifying titles for weeding. In serials,
the process of identifying subscriptions for
cancellation.”
Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science by Joan Reitz
http://www.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_A.aspx (October 2012).

3. Why Weed? . . .
“Public libraries usually weed routinely
on the basis of circulation.
“In academic libraries, weeding is done less
frequently, usually only when the shelves
become overcrowded, in anticipation of a move
or an accreditation review, or when a significant
change occurs in curriculum.”
Serials are deselected “usually in response to
subscription price increases and budgetary
constraints.”
Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science
http://www.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_A.aspx, “Weeding” & “Deselection” (October 2012).

4. How Weed? . . .
Factors considered in deciding whether an item
should be permanently removed from a library
collection …
▪ Condition, including physical appearance;
▪ Currency, when date of publication important
(e.g. textbooks, medical encyclopedias & travel guides);
▪ Usage, including duplicate copies;
▪ “Never” Content, with exceptions for “currency” &
“usage” … in academia, including ‘eliminated from
curriculum’ [& ‘no longer consistent with present knowledge/
understanding,’ if best examples of older thought retained].
Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science
http://www.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_A.aspx, “Weeding” & “Deselection” (October 2012).

5. Why Not Weed?
It’s Politics . . .
▪ Someone’s Going to Object!
▪ Full Shelves Look Good!
▪ We’ve Got Better Things to Do!

6. If You Must Weed: Such as, for . . .
▪ A Reclassification Project –
˃ ˃ ˃
▪ Space for an Additional Collection –
+

7. If You Must Weed: Have a Plan . . .
▪ Have & follow a deselection plan, and
Let it evolve, if/as necessary;
▪ Be bold in disposing weeded items,
not surreptitious;
▪ Give them away, if allowed;
▪ Throw them away, if must … as swiftly as
possible & in a covered dumpster;
▪ In Advance, notify “the Boss” of the
project (directly), and let the Community
know (thru the media) … a short what & why.

8. As You Weed: Be Complaint Ready . . .
▪ Anticipate a dumpster diver’s chatter or
a tipster and a zealot in need of a cause –
Stop The Throwing Away of Thousands of
Perfectly Good Books!
They are on all subjects, even Bibles. Some are old.
Some new. Poor people can use them. Only a
wasteland of empty shelves remains.
Sign This Petition Demanding This Disgusting Practice
End! Your Neighborhood Coalition

9. As You Weed: Be Complaint Ready [cont.]
▪ Have a written response ready to read or
hand to “Boss” & interested politicians.
▪ Have draft press release ready to be
completed to fit complaint(s).
▪ Expect the unanticipated and be ready to
respond to the misinformed & the
guessers … e.g., Bibles & empty shelves.
▪ Discourage with endless repetition . . .
challenge to protect self (person & integrity) or
property (& on checking with attorney) –
“NO Bibles, Korans or other religious texts!”

10. When Weeding
Is a
Necessity
by
Robert J. Bremer, MLIS, JD
Ellender Memorial Library
Nicholls State University
robert.bremer@nicholls.edu
© 2012 Robert J. Bremer
With Thanks to the Creators of Photos & Clip Art 10/5/12
obtained through Google Images.