Running head: WEEDING AND SPACE MANAGEMENT

Weeding and space management in libraries

Sandra Findley

Emporia State University

Collection Development and Management LI 855XR

Professor Rocci July 22, 2013

WEEDING AND SPACE MANAGEMENT Introduction I remember the first time I saw the weeding process happening at the current library where I work. It was a big undertaking that involved everyone, reference librarians as well as technical staff, and the student workers. The reference librarians went back to the stacks with carts and physically removed each book from the shelf to check the condition and covers of the

book. The books that they considered discarding were put on carts where they would bring them up front and check the number of checkouts on the computer. If the book had low or no circulation or if it was outdated and in poor condition, it would be put on the discard cart. The technical staff would then change the status of the books to withdrawn in the system, stamp them withdrawn, and mark out any identifying factors on the book. The student workers were responsible for throwing the books away in the trash. I could not believe the huge amount of books being discarded out of our collection. It was disheartening to see books being thrown away, and it seemed like we were just tossing money out the window; however, after much research, I see the reasoning behind weeding and why it is an important part of collection development. Why are library collections weeded? Just like clothing and hairstyles, books go out of style. Writing styles change, authors go out of fashion, and dated covers detract (Saricks, 2011, p. 43). Weeding is a great technique that libraries use to evaluate their collections. It allows them to remove non-circulating books as well as replace aging or damaged copies of classics. By physically pulling books and working in the stacks, librarians can actually see what books are on the shelves and possibly discover some forgotten gems. Weeding makes certain that collections stay relevant to meet the needs of its users. The act of weeding itself obviously ensures that collections, like gardens, stay green and

WEEDING AND SPACE MANAGEMENT healthy (Penniman & MColl, 2008, p. 32). Sometimes improvements to collections come from removing items, not adding them. Even though weeded books are no longer suitable for the library that they are being withdrawn from, they might be of value and relevance to another institution. Libraries have the option of donating withdrawn materials to organizations such as shelters, schools, prisons, or nursing homes. In the second weeding process that I witnessed at my library, our withdrawn

items were donated to a book drive for books to be sent to underprivileged countries. I felt much better about this method than the first one of throwing discarded books in the trash. Space Management Since libraries are weeding large amounts of books, what are they doing with the empty space that rows of books used to occupy? Most libraries are moving in a different direction, away from books. Libraries are now user-centered, not book-centered. While the 19th-century library had books at its center, the transformed library is centered around the user experience (Fiels, 2013, p. 7). Libraries are creating areas that encourage collaboration and the networking of technologies and people. Public libraries have a reputation for providing social and civic responsibility. They form meeting places, connecting communities and offering a range of services, sometimes provided solely by the library but often as collaborative or co-located services with local governments and community groups (Booth, Shofield, & Tiffen, 2012, p. 37). Academic libraries have avoided these roles in the past; however, they are now seeing the potential in playing a central connecting role. For example, academic libraries are usually centrally located on campuses and many times they are the first point of contact for students who need assistance. Some academic libraries are forming partnerships with other support services to provide triage-style services for students. One of the future goals of the campus where I work is

WEEDING AND SPACE MANAGEMENT to form a Library/Success Center which will include the library, tutoring, writing center, and

counseling services. Research into student retention and success demonstrates that students who feel engaged and embedded within the university have higher rates of persistence and academic success (Booth et al., 2012, p. 38). Therefore, libraries are developing programs, services and spaces which facilitate interaction and engage the university community (Booth et al., 2012, p. 38). Libraries are providing collaboration spaces such as cafes, group study rooms, and media labs. Changing roles in staff Not only are physical spaces in libraries changing, expectations and roles of staff are also changing. There has been a decline in reference encounters and the nature of reference questions is changing. Many academic libraries are shifting to a one-point service desk where transactions that used to come to the reference desk are now handled by well-trained staff or student assistants. Students who require in-depth help with research are now directed to librarians for individualized consultations. According to Booth et al. (2012), the library environment will be more inclusive and less hierarchical (p. 41). In fact, we are witnessing many changes where I work. Our campuses are transforming due to mass retirements taking place. Our library manager is retiring soon and her full-time position is not being replaced; however, two part-time people have been hired as team leaders to take over her duties. Our organization is forming a task force to evaluate library positions, and even though we are five separate campuses serving different populations, they want to reorganize the staff to make every campus uniform. Networking and collaboration Networking skills are critical in this transformation of libraries. Using social media has helped in promoting the library and its services. We cannot move into a brave new library world

WEEDING AND SPACE MANAGEMENT without some drastic changes in our own culture and our attitudes towards exploring new ideas

and services. Social media has helped with both (Booth et al., 2012, p. 41). In addition, colleges and universities have moved toward more business-like practices and our libraries must reenvision themselves to fit within this new framework (Garrison, 2011, p. 12). Academic libraries are heavily examining their services and actively seeking ways to meet campus goals, not solely library goals. Libraries see the need to expand the library focus on the needs and mission of the institution and produce a library that seeks to fulfill the campuss goals, even in endeavors that currently dont involve the library (Garrison, 2011, p. 12). Reference services are transforming to make the most of collaboration. Collaborating or partnering with other student services providers such as the writing center brings together a variety of services and makes a convenient one-stop shop for students. Libraries are truly showing how valuable they are in higher education institutions. Physical libraries are still necessary Since many libraries are discarding huge amounts of books and people are using more online sources, some people argue that there is no longer a need for a physical library; however, the opposite is true. The emergence of information technology has not made the physical library obsolete as once predicted but instead usage has increased and the demand for services and technological access to information, regardless of format, is beyond expectations (Bailin, 2011, p. 343). The library is changing to be associated as a place to gather as well as a place to go for some peace and quiet. Users flock to library buildings and spaces that are attractive, centrally located, technologically current, and arranged to meet the needs of groups as well as solitary users (Bailin, 2011, p. 343). In academic libraries it is especially important to provide group study rooms as well as solitary areas for students. In addition, students want comfort and are

WEEDING AND SPACE MANAGEMENT drawn to new state-of-the-art facilities. A high-quality building does make a difference in raising the gate count (Bailin, 2011, p. 344). Also, students are no longer drawn to books only. They want attractions other than traditional library services. Students appreciate flexibility as well. They like the ability to use study rooms without having to reserve them in advance. Selfmanagement of spaces is important to students. They like signage to indicate what spaces are designated for group study and what spaces are designed for quiet. Some students prefer studying in a social or noisy setting and some students come to the library for socializing with friends. The library is a multipurpose facility and can function as a meeting spot, study place, and social gathering area (Bailin, 2011, p. 352). An inviting environment Creating a warm, inviting environment in libraries is essential. Many people use the library as a refuge to escape distractions. The library should be an exploration center, where creative thinking and discovery flourish (Graboyes, 2012, p. 74). It should be flexible and adaptable a fluid space filled with movable pieces that can respond to changing needs (Graboyes, 2012, p. 74). Library spaces should be consistently reevaluated and updated to remain relevant to users needs. Providing tables that can be put together for group work as well as pulled apart for individual use is beneficial. Providing comfortable reading chairs offers patrons an inviting leisure reading area. Designing library space to meet the needs of users is imperative. Technology spaces

The availability of technology is also an important aspect of library space. Having plenty of computers, WiFi, white boards, printers, copy machines, and scanners is essential. Many students have their own laptops; however, some feel that it is more convenient to use library

WEEDING AND SPACE MANAGEMENT computers. A lot of students appreciate having white boards available in study rooms to draw and prepare assignments. WiFi coverage is important to students that do bring their laptops or use their Smartphones in the library. Conclusion In summary, weeding is an essential part of collection development. Providing current and pertinent sources is imperative to meet the needs of users. There is no reason to keep books that are irrelevant in the collection. Reducing the amount of books in libraries to make room for new services and for people to gather is crucial. Constantly updating and reevaluating books, services, and spaces are vital to meet the current information needs of present and future library

users. Libraries are continually transforming and reinventing themselves to stay relevant. It is an exciting time to be a librarian!

WEEDING AND SPACE MANAGEMENT References Bailin, K. (2011). Changes in academic library space: a case study at the University of New South Wales. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 40(4), 342-359.

Booth, M., Schofield, S. & Tiffen, B. (2012). Change and our future at UTS Library: its not just about technology. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 43(1), 32-45. Fiels, K.M. (2013). Defining transformation: the very nature of what we do and how we do it is undergoing fundamental changes. American Libraries, 44(5), 6-7. Garrison, J. (2011). What do we do now?: a case for abandoning yesterday and making the future. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 51(1), 12-14. Graboyes, A.S. (2011/2012). A 21ST Century Library in a 20th century space. Educational Leadership, 74-78. Penniman, S. & McColl, L. (2008, September 15). Green weeding: promoting ecofriendly options for library discards. Library Journal, 32-33. Saricks, J. (2011, September 1). The lessons of weeding. Booklist, p. 43.