This is my final project for INFO698: Practicum, about my internship at The Center for Fiction (CFF). I weeded a large portion of their library collection, using my supervisor’s guidance and CFF’s collection development policy to ensure every book on the shelves was in good condition and/or relevant to patrons.

Weeding this collection is important because The Center for Fiction currently uses and pays for an offsite storage facility, and creating more space on the shelves will eventually allow them to bring the entire collection to their own building and eliminate wait time for patrons and money spent by CFF. Removing books in poor condition also makes the collection more appealing to library patrons.

During this semester of my internship, I was able to do a thorough, step-by-step weeding process on an entire hallway of shelving, covering letters Ei-Ga in the library’s collection and removing approximately half the books on the those shelves due to either poor condition or complete lack of circulation. I gained confidence in developing and following weeding procedures, and learned how much weeding can benefit the health and appearance of library collections, which will help me be a more effective public librarian.

Average CFF shelf before weeding
CFF shelf after weeding

Link to InfoShow slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FyWDpQuUE9qq7NL_UPDgWmgWmGWLzbj-FsUzgzg-8sA/edit?usp=sharing

Anna Hepler

Anna Hepler

Anna is about to complete her MSLIS at Pratt with an emphasis on public librarianship. She also holds a BA in English with a minor in French. Her personal professional statement is as follows: As a library professional, my goal is to create and support communities of library patrons through reference service, information literacy education, and a shared love of books and the stories they tell. I believe that libraries should be safe places to learn, explore, and rest, and I am committed to working patiently and critically with both people and resources in my place of work to foster that safe and supportive environment.