1. Weeding
ECLA 2017

2. What is weeding?
Weeding is defined as the ongoing process of culling or removing resources from the library collection. “Weeding is selection in reverse— literally de-selection.” Gail Dickinson. “Crying Over Spilled Milk (PDF)." Library Media Connection. 23, no. 7 (2005):

3. Why should I weed?
Circulation frequently rises after a weeding project
*Shelves are not packed tight
* Makes more room to buy new materials that will circulate
Stay current
Keeps your collection balanced
Familiar with the collection

4. "Next to emptying the outdoor bookdrop on cold and snowy days, weeding is the most undesirable job in the library. It is also one of the most important. Collections that go unweeded tend to be cluttered, unattractive, and unreliable informational resources." - Will Manley, "The Manley Arts," Booklist, March 1, 1996, p

5. When do I weed?
Weed as needed
Large scale weeding project
Moving

6. What are obstacles to weeding?
Get rid of books?? NOOOO!!
YOU!
Pastor/Patrons
Communication is key!

7. How do I get started? Selection policy Review your mission statement
Weeding plan
Communicate with your pastor
Let’s get going….

8. M. U. S. T. Y. M U S T Y Misleading or incorrect doctrine
Ugly, poor physical condition
Superseded by newer works that circulate
Trivial; check your mission statement
Your shelf space is limited; too many copies M U S T Y

9. Exceptions!
Works of historical value to your congregation or denomination
Works authored by someone in your congregation
Programs hosted by your church

10. Now what? Mark the book as a DISCARD Remove your church’s name
The Books
The Catalog
Mark the book as a DISCARD
Remove your church’s name
Remove the book’s record from your catalog.

11. What to do with “weeds”?
“Recycle” books to ease the pain: > paper recycling bin > E.C.L.A. Book Swap > “Free Books” shelf or book sale > thrift stores, Good Will > used book store, Baker Publishing

12. Happy Weeding!! Presented by Shari Potter
(This PowerPoint presentation may be shared.)