99% Invisible Weeding is Fundamental
May 14, 2019
Pierce Gully, a passionate reporter and creative writing graduate student, dives into the fascinating world of library weeding. He discusses the aftermath of the 1989 San Francisco earthquake and how it ignited fierce debates over which books to keep or dispose of. Gully shares stories of 'guerrilla librarians' advocating for the preservation of literary heritage. The podcast also highlights the inspiring Pack Horse Librarians of Eastern Kentucky, who bravely delivered books during the Great Depression, showcasing their vital role in fostering literacy and community connection.
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Episode notes
Earthquake Disrupts World Series and Damages Library
- The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake interrupted the World Series, causing widespread damage and casualties.
- The earthquake's impact on the San Francisco Public Library set the stage for a controversy about book weeding.
Weeding is Necessary
- Libraries constantly remove books, a practice known as weeding, to accommodate new acquisitions.
- Limited space necessitates this process.
Weeding Guidelines
- Use the MUSTY criteria (Misleading, Ugly, Superseded, Trivial, Your collection) for weeding books.
- Circulation statistics and judgments of value guide librarians.
