Module 5 – Evaluating Collections

We all hope it’s true. And perhaps in our libraries at home, shelves bulging with books we’ve never actually opened, it isn’t hoarding. It could be we are passionate collectors. Or, we are stockpiling books in case of an apocalypse (or at least another pandemic)? Surely any self respecting bibliophile is allowed to amass a cache of literary treasures so enormous that it is difficult to close the door when guests come over.

Not so for the school library. Shelf space is often at a premium and the budget won’t allow us to provide all the physical or digital resources we’d like.

Weeding.

It is the way.

There are different catchy acronyms or strategies for weeding a collection. Of particular relevance to my library is weeding non-fiction. We need some space to create other spaces.

We have a perfectly good weeding policy – it’s 3 pages long. Until I am a true proficient, I need a catchy acronym that reflects our approach to weeding.

MUSTIE works a treat. I love a good infographic (don’t we all?). And Thebiblioz didn’t disappoint.

I’ve printed and laminated it, and it now sits on my weeding trolley. I find the quick guide so useful that I will even forgive the spelling error.

The real de-selection takeaway for me has been the idea of engaging teaching staff to help out! Genius! Now, if only they were interested in doing it. Teaching staff are excellent at suggesting resources that help them deliver curriculum. Spending someone else’s money is pretty good fun.

Perhaps if I throw in a barista made coffee and a selection of cheeses and petit fours one afternoon?

 

Reference

Carter, B. (n.d.). Stacks of hundreds of books in bookstore isle. [Image]. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/overcrowded-bookstore-shelves-gm1258133338-368933386 

Thebiblioz. (2018, November 30). Steam resources: weeding and selecting. WordPress. https://thebiblioz.wordpress.com/2018/11/30/steam-resources-weeding-and-selecting/