I loved weeding, for all the reasons you explain so clearly and beautifully here. I was astounded at some of the things I found on the shelves of my district's libraries. It's such an important part of collection development!
I wonder about the crossover condition. If a book is old and potentially outdated but it's getting checkout a lot, does it stay? I know sometimes, even with nonfiction, that a text might be recognized as outdated but it's still considered "foundational" so people might want it to stay in circulation
That’s a great question! In my experience, if a text is a classic and still getting circulated, we’ll either keep it or buy a new copy. If a nonfiction book is just old without being a foundational text, we’re most likely to buy a newer book about that same topic.
This was such a refreshing and necessary defence of a practice that’s often misunderstood. Weeding isn’t about neglect or destruction, but about care and intention. I really appreciate the reminder that a well-maintained collection is a living one, shaped not by what we hoard but by what we curate.
There’s such an emotional charge around getting rid of books, especially for those of us who see them as sacred objects. But, as you rightly point out, a book that sits untouched and unnoticed for years isn’t fulfilling its purpose. Clearing shelf space is an act of generosity because we are ultimately making room for stories that will speak to someone now.
I also loved the connection you made between weeding and reader experience. There’s something quietly radical about making sure a library reflects its community’s actual needs and interests. And yes, I’ll admit it: I’ve caught myself judging libraries by their weeded titles, forgetting that sometimes letting go is the most responsible thing you can do.
Today i learned a new concept. I love that everytime i read your texts i learn something new! Once a year i try to give some books to my local library or to someone i see that needs that thinking suplement 😊. Thank you so much for this!
I don’t know any of this, so interesting! Love the behind the scenes look.
I’m glad to hear it!
And, from what I understand, check out books...even if you might have to return (like time issues) because it shows that there is circulation. Yes?
Absolutely! Circulation stats can help with funding, keeping books around, and proving patrons are using the resources available to them.
I loved weeding, for all the reasons you explain so clearly and beautifully here. I was astounded at some of the things I found on the shelves of my district's libraries. It's such an important part of collection development!
Yes! I have fond memories of some of the “gems” I’ve discovered on the shelves over the years. 🙂
Excellent as always, Andrea! I read this right after reading the disturbing newest newsletter from the esteemed Kelly Jensen ~ a timely pairing: https://buttondown.com/wellsourced/subscribers/95818245-3149-460d-a173-234a37f8cd1a/archive/CREW-Method-Manual
I was going to link to the CREW manual and saw that it had been taken down. Thanks for sharing that post. Kelly Jensen is doing vital work right now.
I wonder about the crossover condition. If a book is old and potentially outdated but it's getting checkout a lot, does it stay? I know sometimes, even with nonfiction, that a text might be recognized as outdated but it's still considered "foundational" so people might want it to stay in circulation
That’s a great question! In my experience, if a text is a classic and still getting circulated, we’ll either keep it or buy a new copy. If a nonfiction book is just old without being a foundational text, we’re most likely to buy a newer book about that same topic.
that makes sense, thanks for your response!
This was such a refreshing and necessary defence of a practice that’s often misunderstood. Weeding isn’t about neglect or destruction, but about care and intention. I really appreciate the reminder that a well-maintained collection is a living one, shaped not by what we hoard but by what we curate.
There’s such an emotional charge around getting rid of books, especially for those of us who see them as sacred objects. But, as you rightly point out, a book that sits untouched and unnoticed for years isn’t fulfilling its purpose. Clearing shelf space is an act of generosity because we are ultimately making room for stories that will speak to someone now.
I also loved the connection you made between weeding and reader experience. There’s something quietly radical about making sure a library reflects its community’s actual needs and interests. And yes, I’ll admit it: I’ve caught myself judging libraries by their weeded titles, forgetting that sometimes letting go is the most responsible thing you can do.
Thank you for framing this so thoughtfully.
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment!
Thank you YOU for writing about such an important and touchy topic. I am really enjoying reading your newsletter!
Today i learned a new concept. I love that everytime i read your texts i learn something new! Once a year i try to give some books to my local library or to someone i see that needs that thinking suplement 😊. Thank you so much for this!