In many university library systems, traditional collections have outgrown their physical space, as seen at the University of Milan’s Philosophy Library, where over 90% of shelving is occupied, exceeding the recommended 75% by the American Library Association. The shift to electronic resources has reduced the use of traditional materials significantly. Over two decades, print journal subscriptions at the University of Milan have dropped from over 12,000 to 3,718, while electronic subscriptions have surged to nearly 80,000. Despite the critical role of weeding and de-selection in collection management, such policies have been sparse in Italian academic libraries due to implementation challenges, including the need for authorization from regional supervisory authorities. The article highlights the necessity of developing data-driven de-selection policies to manage collections effectively, ensuring resources remain relevant and accessible to users.