Weeding worries, part 1: books

Abstract

Purpose

The need to cull collections comes from a variety of concerns. Space, budgets and relevancy are the primary sources of exploration into the weeding of a collection. The purpose of this paper is to provide current commentary on the potential reactions to and unexpected consequences of weeding from the fiscal perspective of community stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides insight gathered from a recent emergency library board meeting on weeding, and expands the debate to provide recommendations for future course of action.

Findings

Communication before, during and after a weeding project in light of informed and emotional community fiscal and material interest in a collection, above board and/or executive interest, is the recommended path to smooth weeding activities.

Originality/value

This paper reveals a new reality for library leaders previously accustomed to a less informed user understanding of the impact of weeding. It explains the effect of the global recession on the increased financial astuteness of patrons scrutinizing library expenditures in the twenty-first century.

Citation

Luther Cottrell, T. (2013), "Weeding worries, part 1: books", The Bottom Line, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 98-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/BL-06-2013-0015