Weeding

Collection management is not just about what we add to our collections, it's also about what we remove. A thoughtful, intentional plan for weeding the collection should be a component of every collection management plan. 

WCPSS Board Policy 3200

The necessity of removing materials from the school library collection is addressed in Board Policy 3200, part D:

"To ensure that the school library collection remains relevant, the library and technology professionals, assisted by the Media and Technology Advisory committee, shall review materials routinely to determine if any material is obsolete, outdated, or irrelevant.  The school Media and Technology Advisory Committee should remove materials no longer appropriate and replace lost, damaged, and worn materials still of educational value."

Deciding what to weed

Weeding should be done as outlined in the yearly goals of the collection management plan. 

A Title/Copy report is the best data source for determining which titles meet the criteria for weeding. There are two ways to view this information: 

• Run a Title/Copy data report in Destiny.

• View title/copy data in the Site Analysis section of the Enriched Report in Destiny. 

Process for Weeding Materials

School librarians should follow these steps when weeding materials from the collection:

1. Delete material from the Destiny Catalog

   • Catalog/Update Copies ------>make sure the box labeled "Track as Weeded" is checked. Scan the barcode to delete.

2.  Remove/mark out barcode, spine label, and property labels.

3. Books that still have legitimate educational value (but were weeded due to duplicate copies, low circulation, etc.) may be offered to teachers for use in their classroom libraries. They remain the property of the school.

4. Books that are in poor condition or no longer have legitimate educational value can be recycled through textbook recycling. The school librarian should work with school administration to coordinate this process.

1. • 1. • Note: Please do not donate weeded library materials to the WAKE Up and Read Book Drive. The WCPSS Finance Manual states that “Items may not be donated or given to other groups or organizations” (Chapter Five, p.7, Surplus Disposals). In addition, materials that have been thoughtfully weeded from a school library collection due to condition, age, or lack of circulation are not ideal for supporting WUAR’s mission. 

        • If you do not have space to store weeded library materials until the district textbook recycling occurs, your school can contract directly with the vendor to schedule your own recycling at a reasonable cost. Contact Grime Control at 919-833-3777. 

5. If you are weeding audio visual material (VHS or cassette tapes, DVDs, etc.), box up these materials separately and label the box "Destroy Electronic Media".

1. • You can dispose of these items with Technology ERD. See directions, forms, and how to schedule pick up on the Tech-ERD site on WakeConnect

Recycling Weeded Library Books

Weeded library books can be disposed of through the district recycling program. This service runs from September-April each year. Follow the directions on WakeConnect for requesting this recycling service. When using textbook recycling gaylords to dispose of library books, consider the following: 

• Plan where to stage the gaylords. Grime control will drop them off at the loading dock. If you bring them into the building to fill them, you need to be able to move them back out onto the loading dock with a pallet jack. That means the pallet will have to fit through any hallways and doorways along the way. 

• Keep the gaylords dry. If your loading dock or the area you staged the gaylords is uncovered, take care to protect the boxes and the recycled material in them from rain. Cover them with tarps or plastic covers.