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Website Review- Arizona State Library

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Arizona State Library


The Arizona State Library is a no-frill, but thorough site that breaks weeding down to clear and manageable parts by walking the reader through the necessary steps of a useful weeding project. The site begins with an overview of the importance and necessity of weeding in plain language while offering links to resources that will offer a more in-depth conversation.

ASL then delves into helping librarians plan a practical approach using the CREW method; or Continuous Review, Evaluation and Weeding. One of the best parts of this site is the explanations given to reason why this information is used or presented as helpful. They explain that the CREW method is based on the research of Stanley Slote and details how it has helped other libraries improve their collection. By understanding how and why this method is helpful, librarians will be better able to relate it to their own collections.

Next, the site offers up a plan to “get down to business”.  A basic book flag outline is offered with additional suggestions. Criteria is defined with MUSTIE, or the CREW method’s acronym to help librarians identify material to be removed. For example, the M is for misleading or factually inaccurate items. In addition to defining the MUSTIE items, the ASL also offers up additional criteria to consider including condition and the availability of the work elsewhere. ASL offers a breakdown of things to consider by Dewey numbers, adult fiction, children’s fiction, reference, and so on.

Finally, ASL offers up suggestions on how to wrap up with mending suggestions or a variety of ways to rid the library of the item entirely. They also provide a few resources for more information in addition to the links that are added throughout the article.
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