Interesting idea, Chris. And especially salient to me since "my" own collection (to say nothing of my employment) was just shipped to offsite storage, its ultimate disposition allegedly still TBD. A couple of initial thoughts come to mind: - Would the discussion focus exclusively on "how to manage the downsizing process," or also touch on "how to prevent/fight off the downsizing"? They're related, but I wonder if there's much new to say about the latter? - How does managing the downsizing process relate to a collection development policy? A good policy might be a road map for downsizing, but a major downsizing might well require major revisions to said policy. Michael Fry (recently "de-cruited" from National Geographic Society) On Tue, Mar 7, 2023 at 2:53 PM Alyssa Renteria <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > That sounds like a great panel discussion. It would be helpful to folks > like me, who have partial responsibility for the map collections but > haven't had that experience before. Our institution hasn't had a map > librarian in years and there are no plans to hire a new one. My colleagues > aren't too familiar with map collections either. Add in the fact that this > isn't our primary focus for our jobs, the map collections are sort of > frozen in time. I'd love to hear people talk about collection destruction > in case we do end up doing a mass weeding project in the future. > > On Tue, Mar 7, 2023 at 10:50 AM Christopher Thiry <[log in to unmask]> > wrote: > >> All, >> >> I would like to lead a panel discussion or even a workshop at the >> upcoming WAML (Western Association of Map Libraries) meeting in Vancouver, >> BC, August 9-12 (https://waml.org/conferences/waml-2023/) regarding >> massive weeding projects/concepts of a map collection. >> >> We can all point to examples of map collections that have been gutted >> when a map librarian leaves. The moment that person leaves, the powers >> that be decides the map collection must be downsized 50%, 60%, 70%, or even >> 90%. >> >> How should we, as librarians in charge of map collections, put a plan in >> place so that a massive weeding project is done with forethought & care? >> If a massive cull needs to be done, can we be given the dignity of doing >> it ourselves. After all, we're the ones who know these collections the >> best—what is important, well-used, unique. >> >> We all have been to sessions about collection development but what about >> collection destruction? >> >> >> Would any of you find this panel discussion/workshop helpful or even >> interesting? >> >> Who wants to work with me on this? >> >> Many thanks. Yours in maps, >> >> *Christopher J.J. Thiry* >> >> *Map & GIS Librarian* >> *Academic Outreach Coordinator* >> >> Colorado School of Mines >> Arthur Lakes Library >> 1400 Illinois >> Golden, CO 80401 >> p. 303-273-3697 >> f. 303-273-3199 >> *[log in to unmask]* <[log in to unmask]> >> *http://www.mines.edu/library/ <http://www.mines.edu/library/>* >> >> *Shipping address:* >> Colorado School of Mines >> Christopher J.J. Thiry >> Arthur Lakes Library >> 1301 19th Street >> Golden, CO 80401 >> >