As libraries transition away from spaces designed to store and organize physical collections to spaces designed to support the needs of researchers, students, and communities, library professionals will need to engage in physical collection weeding projects. Although each weeding project will be unique, approaching weeding projects from a project management perspective can structure what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming undertaking. Project management requires leaders and participants to identify weeding project goals and objectives, to map roles and duties to phases of the project, to develop project timelines and prioritize milestones, to anticipate challenges and setbacks, and to deliver on the project in a timely manner.
Learning Outcomes
This discussion will serve as an introduction to applying project management practices to weeding projects. Discussion topics include: identifying impact of weeding projects on multiple library units, such as facilities management, collection management, liaisons, stacks management, catalog management, etc.; building relationships among impacted library units; adjusting weeding priorities based on changes in project timeline; evaluating collections and anticipating changes in how the collection is managed; anticipating and responding to reactions of colleagues and library users; and maintaining flexibility and resiliency in a rapidly changing environment.
Who Should Attend
This discussion will be helpful to library staff at all levels who will or may be involved in a massive weeding project.
Instructors
Cristina Caminita is the Head of Research and Instruction Services at LSU Libraries. Her responsibilities include creating innovative programming designed to assist faculty and students in their research and to support undergraduate and student instruction.
Andrea Hebert is a Research and Instruction Services librarian at LSU Libraries. She serves as the liaison to the Schools of Education, Social Work, Kinesiology, Library & Information Science, and Human Resource Education as well as distance learning programs.
Registration
Cost
free
How to Register
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Tech Requirements
Internet connection with email address. You can manage your subscription to this list following the online instructions.
Credits
None
Contact
For questions about registration, contact ALA Registration by calling 1-800-545-2433 and press 5 or email registration@ala.org.
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