Weeding 101 (2nd ed.)

Abstract

The most important thing to know about weeding is that it is OK to weed. Weeding (de-accessioning, unacquiring, deselecting, removing, discarding, trashing) library materials is not a crime against humanity. Sometimes it needs to be done in the dark of night but the doing is necessary to the health of every library collection except perhaps those that strive to be universally comprehensive and who are served by unlimited space and budgets. Weeding does not necessarily mean absolutely and permanently depriving a library’s users of the weeded materials. Interlibrary loan, neighboring libraries, and electronic resources all may fill any gap that appears. Instead of harm, weeding can assist users by making room for newer more useful materials and by hopefully making the remaining collection less muddled and more useable.