By Mark Pinto, Phoenixville Public Library
From time to time in this space, I inform you about new and wonderful books in the collection of Phoenixville Public Library. Today I’d like to talk about what happens when those books are no longer new and wonderful, and let you in on a behind-the-scenes process that many librarians won’t even discuss – weeding!
No, I’m not referring to the eternal gardening chore, but to the process of withdrawing items (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.) from the library’s collection. Weeding is actually an eternal library task, too, but it’s taboo to some librarians because they just can’t bring themselves to do it. Maybe there is a good reason to keep that 1962 edition of “The Joy of Cooking” with the bent spine, torn cover, and food-stained pages, but I’d sure like to hear what it is! I admit I actually enjoy weeding. There’s something in me that likes getting rid of stuff; just ask my wife.
Why is weeding necessary? The most utilitarian reason is to create space. For libraries, space will always be the final frontier; there’s only just so much room on the shelves. We can’t just keep adding books to our collection without taking some away. In the ideal library, everything purchased would always be checked out; that’s never happened.
As pulling dandelions enhances the appearance of your lawn, so removing the yucky, unwanted books from the library collection makes the library more visually appealing. It helps you, the patrons, focus on the newer, better looking books that remain. And it gives us, the librarians, feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of our collections. What topics are patrons not interested in anymore? What do we need to buy more of? Think about that; weeding actually helps us buy new and more relevant stuff for you!
I’m frequently asked by patrons about the criteria I use for removing books from our collection. Librarians have developed standards for weeding which usually focus on the age and condition of the item, the accuracy of the information it contains, and its circulation history (i.e., how many times it was checked out and when it was last checked out). I generally refer to the Texas State Library’s CREW Method and the weeding guidelines of The Free Library of Philadelphia. Other factors I consider in deciding whether to weed a book include the number of other copies of the same title that are sitting on the shelf, the availability of a newer edition, and the existence of the information on the Internet.
What happens to a book that gets weeded? At Phoenixville Library, it will end up in one of three places: Friends Books (our outlet for ‘gently used’ books), a designated spot near the library entrance for items that may be taken for free, or (if it’s really yucky) the recycling bin. We do try, where possible, to replace classic or popular books that have been weeded due to poor condition. Weeding – it’s good for the soul, and it’s great for your library!
Coming in September – Microsoft Office classes in the Computer Center! Instructor Ernie Tidball will present hands-on introductions to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access Saturday mornings from 10 AM to noon. Cost is $10.00 per person.
And get set for an exciting Fall Speakers Series! Highlights include a hypnosis demonstration on October 2, KYW Newsradio film critic Bill Wine on October 20, and an evening with Mark Twain on November 24. Call 610-933-3013, Ext. 32 for more information or to reserve a spot for any of the above events.