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]

http://www.mines.edu/library/

Shipping address:

Colorado School of Mines

Christopher J.J. Thiry

Arthur Lakes Library

1301 19^th Street

Golden, CO 80401