Here's the scoop on libraries “tossing out books.” It's kind of like when you're cleaning out your closet - sometimes you gotta say goodbye to those old jeans that haven't fit in years. Similarly, libraries remove old books that “don’t fit” to make space for new ones. This keeps their collections fresh, accurate and relevant to the community that uses the library. But a lot of folks get upset when libraries say “out with the old.” Some worry about losing history or censoring ideas. Librarians are trained to balance managing collections with preserving cultural heritage and intellectual freedom. The process is deliberative and exacting - one of the toughest for many librarians.

But one of the biggest benefits of “weeding” a collection is added sustainability. The Fresno State Library uses a service called “Better World Books,” which receives weeded books from libraries, campuses and individuals worldwide. Then they either donate the books to emerging libraries and literacy programs or they sell the books online with proceeds going to worldwide literacy programs and environmental causes. When that’s not possible, they recycle the books.

Library staffer Rebecca Reid-Johansson, who works behind-the-scenes in library technical services, is responsible for gathering, withdrawing and shipping books for “a better world.” And she can probably help you with your weeded books, too. Read on!

In one word, describe your present condition.

Liminal.

In one sentence, what’s going on in your world?

Evolving and ever-changing projects from “Behind The Scenes” catalog work (and assisting other units when their need arises—a diversion which always fuels my energy) to Book Rescue objectives.

With no restrictions on content or form, describe what excites you about your work in the Library.

Reimagining new life for the revenants of the Library world in the form of “rescuing” weeded/unwanted books and other physical materials for renewal, repurposing and reuse in our waste-laden world.

We live in a highly interdependent and collective world, and our University Library is a place of community, growth and support for all individuals on their respective journeys towards authenticity and enlightenment.

What is your favorite service or resource at Fresno State Library, and why?

The various “Special Collections” solely unique to our library such as ANC, SCRC, Music/Media--and my special favorite where I spent many of my working years, the Map/Aerial Photo Library (the largest/most comprehensive in the CSU system). These collections possess rare resources conducive to academic and historical research on a global scale.

When you want to take a 15-minute break from your work in the library, what do you do?

Sort/pack our weeded/unwanted books; configure the pallets for Better World Books’ charitable branch. This physical activity affords a healthy and blood-circulating break from body-numbing screen time.

If a faculty or staff person needs to purge a few books, what do you recommend?

Campus folk may contact me for collection/drop-off of their unwanted volumes--or other materials suitable for reutilization. I am most happy to oblige—and I do not mind helping on my own time! We can also send books to organizations such as Big Brothers/Sisters; Trabajadores De La Raza Club; high school/college art/curriculum classes; Prisoners Literature Project, etc.-- all of which we have donated materials not aligned with BWB’s specific collection guidelines. My email address is rebeccar@mail.fresnostate.edu.