Creating new spaces for our future: a weeding workflow
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In October 2011, Briscoe Library at UT Health Science Center San Antonio repurposed 5,000 square feet to create new educational spaces, leading to the removal of over 18% of its collection, amounting to a value of $6,113,728. A significant weeding workflow was implemented to facilitate this process, which included collaboration among various departments and careful selection criteria for item removal. Students have responded positively to the new study space, and the project has strengthened interdepartmental relationships.
Creating new spaces for our future: a weeding workflow
- 1. ® List potential titles (Google Doc for multiple users) Measured and recorded physical space of journals Began pulling journals Hired a library moving contractor to complete weeding Collection Resources staff removed items from catalog Hired part time employee to update union lists and catalog records Calculated value of weeded items ® In October 2011, Briscoe Library at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio repurposed 5,000 square feet of space, to make room for the new Office of Undergraduate Medical Education of the School of Medicine and updated student study space. Construction began two weeks after the announcement and was completed in May 2012. This space, located on the fifth floor of the library, originally housed the library’s book collection. Due to the loss of space for the collection, and the time frame involved in renovations, it was decided to weed the serials collection, then transfer thebook collection to the fourth floor consolidating the library’s book and journal collection onto one floor of the library building. Introduction Creating New Spaces for Our Future: A Weeding Workflow Dana Whitmire, MSLS The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Lessons Learned Criteria Value of Items Withdrawn In less than 10 months, over 18% of the collection was withdrawn: • 21,635 bound journal volumes • 16,928 monographs Combined original purchase value: $6,113,728 In order to clear out 5,000 square feet of space, the Collection Resources team began researching print titles for potential removal. Criteria for inclusion was: • Titles with electronic access • University of Texas SystemAcademic Library Collection Enhancement Program (ALCEP) purchase/perpetual access • Free titles (reliable!) • PubMed Central • HighWire Press • JSTOR • Other • Foreign language titles • During this quick process, we learned that it is always smart to check your work, then double-check it. Two journals titles were mistakenly withdrawn, which had to be replaced by purchasing online backfiles. • Patrons adapt. The students love the new study space and furnishings and we regularly receive compliments on the renovated area. • Major weeding projects require commitment and collaboration from the entire university. Because of this we now have a better relationship with other departments (such as Campus Administration, Facilities, and the Office of Undergraduate Medical Education). Project Resources • Moving contractor (Southwest Solutions) • Library Staff • UT Health Science Center San Antonio Housekeeping • UT Health Science Center San Antonio Facilities including campus architect • UT Health Science Center Medical Dean’s office