Less is More (Paperback)

by Donna J. Baumbach (Author), Linda L Miller (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
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.

From Booklist
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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: ALA Editions (January 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0838909191
• ISBN-13: 978-0838909195
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #578,601 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars School librarians - particularly newcomers to the profession - will find it filled with tips., October 14, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

LESS IS MORE: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO WEEDING SCHOOL LIBRARY COLLECTIONS is for professional school librarians seeking a specific routine for weeding. All the basics are here; from getting started and understanding philosophy to breaking down weeding criteria by Dewey Numbers and using automation tools. School librarians - particularly newcomers to the profession - will find it filled with tips.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To help make a big job a little easier, June 2, 2007

By	Sharon M. Richert (Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought your new book and read it this evening...thanks...I took the position as media supervisor of 42 schools in August ..the collections were in such sad shape, the average age of nonfiction was 1992.
Long story short, I have worked hard this year using virtual library collections and online database to bring equity of resources to the students and teachers...and at our media meeting in May, we talked about on-going weeding and inventory as an important part collection development and in ocnnecting kids with the right information.
In trying to guide them as they go into the new year I found that I had questions of my own...and I was so surprised to see that the very book I needed was written by two of the people who really know this business from ground up!
I am going to order it for all of our specialists and give it to them at the August meeting.
Again, thanks...this HUGE job of mine...suddenly got a little smaller.

5.0 out of 5 stars VERY helpful for library., October 14, 2008

By	AF "frisbeechick2" (Texas) - See all my reviews

I used this book to help with the weeding of our church library. I realize it is written as a guide for school libraries, but the information was helpful for me.
I particuarly enjoyed how the book was arragned by Dewey decimal number and each section had a list of 'books to get rid of'. Our library had several of those titles!
With this book on my shelf, I had something tangible to show those who felt I was ruining the library by weeding.
Highly recommend it!!