Weeding your School Library

Definition of Weeding

Weeding is the removal of materials from a Library collection in a systematic and deliberate way.  It is an ongoing part of collection development, a planned and thoughtful action that will ensure Library materials are current and enticing.

Informal Weeding

An ongoing process that often occurs as materials are checked-in or checked-out.

Formal Weeding

A planned process that is not superseded by informal weeding. A rotation schedule can be established allowing for systematic weeding over time. 

Copyright

These are suggested copyright markers to consider. Utilize other criteria as well as these guidelines. 

Dewey Classifications 

000        2-10 years                                                                     500        5-10 years 

100        10 years                                                                          600        5-10 years 

200        2-10 years                                                                     700        5-15 years 

300        5-10 years                                                                     800         flexible 

400        10 years                                                                          900        15 years 

Biographies:                             flexible 

Fiction:                                       10 years 

Encyclopedia:                         5-7 years 

Reference:                                evaluate on individual basis 

Periodicals:                              5 years 

Almanacs/Yearbooks:      3 years in reference, 3 additional years in circulation 

MUSTIE

Misleading 

Can occur more rapidly in technology that mythology.  Look for:

• "Dated" popular fiction

• Obsolete information

• Books containing racial, cultural or sexual stereotyping

Ugly

Refers to the physical condition of the book.

• Antiquated appearance

• Worn-out, frayed, dirty

• Unable to mend

Superseded

There may be newer copies available.

• Duplicate copies

• Almanacs, yearbooks, encyclopedias superseded by newer editions

Trivial

Look for appropriateness for the collection.  Check for poor writing, inaccurate information, and inappropriate interest or reading level for students.

Irrelevant

Means the interest and needs of your community may have change over time.  If a particular topic is no longer as relevant to the community as it was at another time, the collection may have too many items just sitting on the shelf.

Elsewhere

Material can be found in an online format and can be circulated through your Library.

CONSIDER KEEPING

•  Classics, award winners 

• Local History 

• Annuals & School Publications

• Titles on current reading lists

• Out of print titles that are still useful

• Biographical Sources 

Additional Resources

CREW:  A Weeding Manual for Mondern Libraries

https://www.tsl.texas.gov/sites/default/files/public/tslac/ld/ld/pubs/crew/crewmethod12.pdf 

To Weed or Not to Weed?  Criteria to ensure that your nonfiction collection remains up to date | Everyday Librarian by Deborah B. Ford

https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=to-weed-or-not-to-weed-criteria-to-ensure-that-your-nonfiction-collection-remains-up-to-date-everyday-librarian