Review by Choice Review
Vnuk (executive director, LibraryReads) updates this new edition with interviews and other materials addressing considerations of diversity and inclusion. The author's basic overview of weeding public library collections will inform those new to deaccessioning materials. The primary value of the book is in Vnuk's approachable advice for weeding each subclass in the Dewey classification schema. This advice has not changed much since the first edition, but the newly included interviews provide humor and real-life solutions to likely challenges. Vnuk peppers diversity and inclusion tips throughout the text, but her chapter devoted to this topic is sparse and may not entirely satisfy those looking to create a robust DEI-focused collection development plan. The appendix with its included sample collection development plans will be helpful to those building or revising collection development policies. Public librarians new to this activity will especially appreciate this work. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and professionals. --Robyn Hartman, Fort Hays State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Editor's note: It is Booklist policy that a book written or edited by a staff editor receive a brief descriptive announcement rather than a full review.In this practical discussion of all things weeding, Vnuk offers simple tips and a positive, go-for-it attitude. Aimed mostly at small and medium-sized public libraries, the guidance given is basic enough that it can be related to libraries of different types. Vnuk bases her advice on the revered CREW method of weeding, and the chapters here go through the Dewey decimal collection (mixing fiction in with the 800s), making it easy to set out a game plan for any weeding project. A concluding chapter covers weeding-gone-wrong stories, and there is a list of suggested reading. Throughout, Vnuk strongly advocates for library collection-development plans, and appendix material consists of sample collection plans from libraries of various types and sizes, including academic and school. Librarians looking for reassurance that they're doing the right thing when they are weeding need look no further than this handy little guide.--Mediatore Stover, Kaite Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Weeding, a task that causes even veteran librarians to tremble, has just gotten easier thanks to this handbook. Vnuk, Booklist reference and collection management editor, argues that proper weeding leads to a more accurate, presentable, and usable collection. The author offers suggestions for earning staff and public support for weeding efforts as well as guidance for making use of discarded materials. Drawing heavily on the CREW method (Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding), Vnuk's shelf-by-shelf guide to weeding decisions also discusses special collections such as AV (audio/visual), youth materials, periodicals, ebooks, and databases. Vnuk stresses the value of a collection development plan in guiding weeding decisions-in fact, approximately half the book is devoted to sample plans in public and academic libraries. While the work approaches weeding based on Dewey classifications, academic libraries may find inspiration here, especially in the individual blueprints. Librarians already familiar with the CREW method will not gain much from the shelf-by-shelf consideration. However, most of the book extends the weeding conversation beyond the assessment of the Dewey classes. VERDICT Vnuk's clear writing and motivating tone will give confidence to reluctant weeders, resulting in a worthy purchase for all public libraries.-Lydia Olszak, Bosler Memorial Lib., Carlisle, PA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
