Less is More - Softcover

Donna J. Baumbach; Linda L Miller

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0838909191 ISBN 13: 9780838909195

Publisher: ALA Editions, 2009

Synopsis

Weeding is the unglamorous side of the library selection coin, yet for vibrant, quality collections, it is critically important. To make weeding part of a library's ongoing procedures, it's best to do it in manageable doses. Now, school and children's librarians nationwide can reap the benefit of Florida's popular Weed of the Month program. This user-friendly guide: explains the ins and outs, including why weeding is such an important task; outlines the steps to get started; breaks weeding criteria down by over 70 topics and Dewey numbers so the task isn't overwhelming; clarifies how to use automation tools in weeding; and, suggests newer titles as replacements to upgrade collections.

About this title

About the Author

Donna J. Baumbach is Professor of Instructional Technology/Educational Media at the University of Central Florida and director of the Florida SUNLINK Project, Florida s K 12 public school union catalog of library media resources. An award-winning instructional technology leader and popular library speaker, Baumbach earned her doctorate in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University.

Linda L. Miller is Associate Director of the Florida SUNLINK Project. Former editor of Florida Media Quarterly, she compiles the monthly electronic newsletter for SUNLINK Schools. She holds her MLS from the University of Michigan.

Reviews

This helpful guide encourages even the most fearful librarians to tackle the daunting task of weeding through careful and regular analysis. Based upon the SUNLINK Weed of the Month project, it begins by addressing the rationale behind the process, as well as many excuses for avoiding the task. Other chapters include a discussion of guidelines, like the CREW ("Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding") method, with a review of other important criteria. One section provides criteria for weeding in 71 areas, arranged by Dewey number. Final chapters attend to pertinent details of finishing the process. Web resources, an appendix of weeding criteria in table format that includes ideal and maximum number of years for the various subject areas, and an alphabetical and Dewey index conclude this invaluable, succinctly written resource.—Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Possibly one of the least-favorite tasks of any school library media specialist is weeding. However, it is essential. Based on the nationally recognized Weed of the Month program, this outstanding, easy-to-use guide makes weeding realistic and achievable. Beginning with a discussion on what weeding is and why it is important, the first chapter makes it very clear that there are no excuses not to weed. Next, general guidelines are presented, including models and helpful hints. The third chapter provides information on timing, including how to make that first step. The major part of the book focuses on specific criteria for 71 subjects. Arranged in order of corresponding primary Dewey numbers, this chapter shows what to consider when weeding materials in each area. The final chapters cover the role of automation and offer general tips. This is an indispensable resource for every school library. Heather Heyduk
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: ALA Editions
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0838909191
• ISBN 13: 9780838909195
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208