Stewarding Relevance, Past and Present: Weeding Subject-Diverse Collections in the World’s Largest Museum Library
This presentation will provide an overview of the planning, implementation, and method of a customized collection assessment project for a multi-subject research collection amassed over 150 years. More than 50,000 monographs published between 1835 to present and representing the disciplines of science, art, history, and culture were considered. The goal was to primarily deaccession duplicated or non-relevant materials that were no longer in support of the institution’s collecting goals, current research mission, or historical relevance. Transfers within the Library Research Centers were requested and honored as needed.
Speakers
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Alan Katz
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Daria WingreenLibrarian, Collection Development, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
She/Her
Daria’s 25-year career at the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives has been a specialized, iterative work history in a large federal museum research library system: three years as a copy cataloger, fourteen years in special collections as a reference assistant and collection manager, and nine years as a cross-disciplinary collection development librarian. Daria has adapted library best practices to federal museum workflows and policies, implemented rare book inventories, drafted a framework for internal collaborative collection development, created exhibition and educational content using existing collections, and developed an internship program to process large, specialized gift donations. Daria is currently focused on reparative collection development.
Relevant to this presentation, Daria has a Special Collections for Libraries certificate from Rare Book School (Charlottesville), has co-published the article “Holistic Collection Development and the Smithsonian Libraries” (2020) with then-intern, Salma Abumeeiz. Over the last 10 years, Daria has developed a DEAI portfolio emphasizing diversity in collection development and workplace allyship to proactively address existing power imbalances and evolve equity in all facets of library work. Core values that drive Daria’s professional life are radical empathy, active listening, collaboration, and team building.