[Publib] Lit Crit Reference Weeding

[Darin Butler]

Ilene,
If you have the databases for these resources, I would definitely
withdraw the print editions.  I've done this in the last 2 branches I
was at and it freed up a lot of space for other materials, or just for
open space.  It was actually a relief.  At one branch, there was a
little resistance, but I made sure those who were concerned about it
received the proper training so they could use it effectively and
instruct patrons.

If it's not being used (and you can blow dust off the top), get rid of
them.  I actually had a local patron buy them off of our booksale.

Good luck!

Darin L. Butler, Manager
Salt Lake County Library Services
Sandy Library
10100 S Petunia Way
Sandy, UT  84092
(801) 944-7600
dbutler at slco.lib.ut.us

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Ilene Lefkowitz
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:33 AM
To: Publib
Subject: [Publib] Lit Crit Reference Weeding

We are a small (pop. 15,000) suburban library getting ready to do a
major renovation.  As a result of the renovation, the shelf space in
Reference will be cut by at least 30%.  To get ready for this I have
been weeding the collection like crazy.  It hasn't been done in I
can't tell you how long.  My biggest area of concern and dissent from
staff is Lit Crit.  We are part of a 37 library consortium that
subscribes to a variety of databases that include literary criticism.
As a result our Reference collection of Lit Crit barely gets used.
I've already withdrawn Book Review Digest and am beginning to withdraw
Something About the Author.  Next up for consideration are
Contemporary Literary Criticism, 229 volumes; 19th Century Lit Crit,
67 volumes; 20th Century Lit Crit, 91 volumes; Contemporary Authors,
over 300 volumes between the original series, the new revision and the
autobiography series.  The big question of course is if I withdraw
these series, will we be able to meet the Lit Crit needs of our
population?  I say yes, since we will not be without a Lit Crit
database and honestly, these volumes haven't been used in a very long
time.  In a roundabout way, I am asking if any other libraries have
also discontinued the print copies of these resources.  Not to mention
that I will be saving almost 30 shelves of Reference space!

Thank you for bearing with me as I think as I type.

Ilene
-- 
Ilene N. Lefkowitz, MLS
Adult Services Librarian
Denville Free Public Library (NJ)
ilene.lefkowitz at denvillelibrary.org


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