Deselection Project

We would like to share with you an exciting project happening at Perkins Library beginning this summer. With the help of GreenGlass, we will be using both local and national collection and circulation data to begin a collaborative campus process of evaluating the library’s collections and removing outdated titles that no longer support HC’s academic objectives. This practice is a part of maintaining a healthy collection and is recommended as an annual part of general collection work. This work will allow us to house a quality collection, help our students better locate and access the resources they really need, and create additional space requested by students where they can study and collaborate. More details about the project are provided below.

What is GreenGlass?

GreenGlass is a service provided by OCLC that closely analyzes our current collection (physical and digital), compares our collection to those of participating academic libraries across the country, and makes data-based recommendations on deselection of materials. The project goal is to provide a right-sized and relevant collection that supports our students' academic achievement and faculty research while overall better featuring our unique collections and holdings.

What is the purpose of the project?

Deselection of materials, also known as weeding, is a fundamental component of library collection management that ultimately strengthens a library’s collection and often allows larger projects to take place in response to changing spaces. It is a data-driven process based on:

• Currency and accuracy of the content

• Support for curriculum and general research needs

• Number of uses and latest checkout date

• Physical condition

• Interlibrary loan availability and ebook access
  

Weeding, especially when done consistently, has many benefits. It provides an opportunity for library employees to closely review their collection and determine areas of strength and weakness; areas that are lacking can be developed based on stakeholder and campus community feedback. It ensures that titles contain current information that is published by credible sources. A right-sized quality collection allows students to easily locate the items they really need - including titles that they may not have realized they were looking for - without having to sift through unsuitable titles.

Weeding also allows librarians to thoroughly inspect every book and remove those that are no longer in acceptable physical condition (and determine whether to replace the item in hand with a fresh copy), which improves the overall appearance of a library and its shelves. A healthy and current collection instills trust in its users and increases the likelihood that they will continue to visit the library, thus increasing the circulation of materials.

How does the project affect me?

Perkins Library invites the campus community to participate in our data-driven decision-making process for eliminating duplicate, low-use, irrelevant, outdated, and damaged print content from the library’s collections. During the project, you will have the opportunity to review the titles recommended for deselection, and provide feedback on titles you suggest the library retains, such as titles your students may read during a particular course or titles you would find relevant to your own academic scholarship and research.

As a part of the project, you will have the opportunity to review the sections that apply to your subjects of expertise and recommend titles for purchase to strengthen that collection to support your students’ needs. Although our goal is to work with departments throughout the academic year to maintain a healthy and relevant collection going forward, you are welcome to request materials anytime, including digital access to periodicals or backfiles.

What is the timeline of the project?

The project will be carried out over the course of two years and will occur in three phases:

1. Periodicals and Reference Collections

2. Children and Young Adult

3. General Collection and Oversize

Want to request a title to add to the collection?
Fill out the Library Feedback Form or contact the Library.