Weeding (also called de-selection) is an essential element of collection development that ensures the library's materials are useful and accessible. Collections will change over time to reflect changes in the community and the curriculum. Physical space to store collections is also a contributing factor in the necessity for regular weeding. School library collections are not intended to be archival. Weeding is a periodic or continual evaluation of resources intended to remove items that are no longer useful from the collection.
Books and audiovisual materials will be used most effectively if they are up-to-date, in good condition and attractive. The decision to discard is to be made by the teacher librarian. Books and audiovisual materials are to be discarded when:
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subject matter is out of date, mediocre, inaccurate, or race or sex biased |
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unsuitable for a particular library |
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print is too fine or indistinct |
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revised editions are decidedly superior |
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missing pages or missing parts which cannot be replaced |
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extremely soiled, brittle or torn pages |
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condition prevents effective use |
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can be replaced with a new copy or reprint that is less expensive than the cost of professional rebinding or of the cost of repairing it. |
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there are too many duplicate copies |
The following websites contain useful information about parameters for weeding in schools libraries:
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http://www.ala.org/ala/alalibrary/libraryfactsheet/fact15.cfm contains information on weeding from the American Library Association. |
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www.dlapr.lib.az.us/cdt/weeding contains a detailed article about weeding. |
The procedures to be followed in each case are:
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Actually destroy the item, or remove all property identification and clearly mark "discard".
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Delete from the circ/cat system.
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If the item is a piece of electronic equipment that is still functional, but not being used in your building, send a work order to the physical plant for pick up. They will remove the blue tags and take it to the auction.
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Send the tag information to Sue Harms at the tech center.
If the item is completely unusable by anyone in the district, place it in a box marked "Discarded Material" in your media office. Materials will be disposed of by the night custodian.
Use your own judgments in allowing students and/or shelters to take home discarded material for personal use.
This page was last updated on June 13, 2007.