Weeding Collections: A Four Library Perspective
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This document provides guidelines for developing a weeding policy and plan for a library collection. It outlines key elements to include such as necessity of weeding, criteria for weeding, methods, and responsibilities. Sample weeding criteria are also given for different subject areas based on factors like circulation, copyright date, physical condition, and accuracy of information. The document concludes with specific weeding guidelines for the Omaha Public Library collections based on Dewey classification and media types.
![Sample Policy LanguageEach item, through its quality, reliability, current usefulness and appearance, must earn its place on the shelf, and contribute to the reliability, reputation and attractiveness of the Library.Berkshire AthenaeumPittsfield [MA] Public Libraryhttp://www.pittsfieldlibrary.org/policy_weeding.html](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/weedingpanel4library-111010101859-phpapp02/85/Weeding-Collections-A-Four-Library-Perspective-3-320.jpg)
Weeding Collections: A Four Library Perspective
- 2. PolicyGives activity official imprimaturProvides basis for decision-makingCommits staff to activityOutlines a schedule for activity
- 3. Sample Policy LanguageEach item, through its quality, reliability, current usefulness and appearance, must earn its place on the shelf, and contribute to the reliability, reputation and attractiveness of the Library.Berkshire AthenaeumPittsfield [MA] Public Libraryhttp://www.pittsfieldlibrary.org/policy_weeding.html
- 4. Elements of a Weeding PolicyNecessity of weedingWho is responsible? ExceptionsHistorical/LocalRareMethodologyDisposal methodsCriteriaMisleading infoPhysical conditionUseAgeDuplicate volumesSubjectCoverage
- 5. PlanPuts activities in context of community and libraryConsiders entire collectionPre-makes decisions
- 6. Selection ResponsibilitySelection GuidelinesSelection CriteriaAccessGifts Reconsideration of Library Resources
- 7. DescriptionInfluencing FactorsSelection PlanRetention & WeedingDevelopment Plan
- 8. Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding
- 9. CREW CriteriaMisleadingUglySupersededTrivialIrrelevant to your collectionElsewhere (I.L.L.)
- 10. Using CREWMaximum permissible time without useCopyright DateIs it more than X year(s) ago?
- 11. Weeding library collections: library weeding methods, 4th ed., by Stanley J Slote. 1997. Less is more: a practical guide to weeding school library collections, by Donna J Baumbach and Linda L Miller. 2006. Collection development and resources access plan for the Skokie Public Library, 3rd ed., by Teri Room and Barbara A Kozlowski. 2008. http://ccclib.org/policies/CollectionDevelopmentAccess-1999-11-16.pdf
- 12. Weeding As A Part of Collection Development, byPamela K. Kramer. Presented at ISLMA 11/8/02.http://www.islma.org/pdf/weeding.PDFWeeding Library Collections: A Selected Annotated Bibliography for Library Collection Evaluationhttp://www.ala.org/ala/professionalresources/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet15.cfmCREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries. http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/epubs/creativecommons/crewmethod08.pdfLibrary Collection Development Policies, by Frank W. Hoffmann and Richard J. Wood. 2007
- 13. Weeding Materials at Omaha Public LibraryMaggie Tarelli-Falcon, Assistant Library DirectorOctober 7, 2011
- 14. Facts about Omaha Public Library12 branches1 million materials3.2 million checkouts (in 2010)Materials budget of 1.7 millionFloating DVDs, audiobooks, music cds, paperbacks , large print, graphic novels, Playaways, and Bestseller Express
- 15. Why Weed?It is a disservice to customers to keep books that contain inaccurate or dated information.
- 16. No library is large enough to keep everything. Our smaller branches in particular are facing space constraints and must be weeded diligently.
- 17. It makes it easier for people to find what they want. As Charles Cutter said in 1901, “…an unused book is not even good. The library should be a practical thing to be used, not an ideal to be admired.”
- 18. It is important the library materials look attractive. A smaller but higher quality collection makes much more sense than a library filled with old, worn books and multiple copies of things that aren’t circulating.
- 19. Our reputation will be enhanced as a place to get reliable and up-to-date resources. Guidelines by Dewey Class 0-330 004 Computers--works older than three years are seldom useful. 150 Psychology—Self-help psychology and guidance materials can be reviewed for dated concepts. Clinical, comparative and developmental psychology is good for about 5 years. Self- help fad books may be weeded after 3 years of use.200 Religion—Value is determined by use. Weed after 5 years if not used. Need to have comprehensive information on major religions including: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Taoism. 310 General Statistics—Almanacs should be kept at most for three years; most current in reference and others (no more than two previous years) in circulation.320 Political Science—Information should for the most part be current (weed after 3 years); historical materials are judged more on the basis of use.330 Economics—Update items available in revised editions. Well-known local or popular authors (Warren Buffett) may be retained, but you do not need every book by this author. Weed all grubby copies.
- 20. Guidelines by Dewey Class 340-610340 Law— Weed materials over 3 years old, as the law changes frequently.360 Social Services—Keep only current (within 3 years) of standard test books (ACT, SAT, GED). Keep only current (within 3 years) career materials390 Customs, Etiquette, Folklore—Keep standard works in folklore and weed according to use. Etiquette: keep only basic up-to-date titles.400 Language, Dictionaries—Weeding depends on use and condition. 500 Natural Sciences-- Carefully evaluate anything older than 5 years. Classics such as Darwin’s “Origin of Species” should be kept but must be in good condition. Order a new copy if yours is grubby. 550 Earth Sciences—Nebraska materials may be kept unless superseded by new editions. Weed grubby items. Check Neb Ref (3rd fl) if you think they may need this.610 Medicine—Anatomy and Physiology change very little, but keep only very recent editions (one reference, older year circulating) of prescription and over-the-counter drug directories, etc. Materials on cancer, AIDS, genetics should be kept for three years.
- 21. Guidelines by Dewey Class 641.5-770641.5 Cookbooks—Determine by use and shelf space. Replace classicssuch as Betty Crocker with updated editions. 649 Child Rearing—Have new theories and trends available and replace worn classics with newer editions. Nothing should be over 5 years. 650.14 Resume and Job Hunting—Keep only current 3 years.Rest of 600 ---Discard dated materials especially in business, medicine, sex education, space technology. Gardening books may be kept for up to ten years or so but weed for condition. Keep automotive repair manuals if they are used. Refer patrons to the online Auto Repair Center.700 The Arts --Keep materials on the history of art, music and interior design but discard general home decorating if over 5 years old, unless it is a distinct style (feng shui, southwestern.) Replace if old or dated. Antique price guides should be current in reference, with perhaps only one previous year in circulation. The same applies to coin and stamp catalogues. 770 Photography—Materials onoutdated equipment should be weeded.
- 22. Guidelines by Dewey Class 800-Fiction800 Literature— Generally weed for condition not age. Copies of classic poetry, plays, short stories, etc. should be kept in good condition. Weed copies in grubby condition and let Collection Development know if new copies are needed. Play anthologies, (i.e., Best Plays of 1999) and anthologies of popular genres (i.e. Anthology of romance stories) should be weeded after 4 years of no circulation.Fiction: Keep local authors and classics. Please think of the system as a whole, so if you don’t have a classic author but there are plenty in the system, at other branches you do not need to have all titles at your branch. The smaller branches do not have the shelf space for too many classics. Try to retain copies of award books and those on reading lists. (E.g. keep several copies of Tale of two cities or 1984, if they are on the high school reading lists.) Not every edition of a classic work is necessary for each location.Each OPL location does not need to keep all books in a series or all books written by a popular author. If there are other copies in the system, weed for space.
- 23. Guidelines by Dewey Class Fiction-BiographyWeed duplicate fiction. You may keep 2 copies of the current year plus one year’s bestsellers. Weed all other duplicate best sellers, unless the title is still filling holds.If a fiction book has not gone out a minimum of 12 circulations in three years, consider weeding. If a book has gone out over 40 circulations, check the physical condition.900 Geography and History--Many travel books are replaced annually so do not have too many older editions on your shelf (certainly no more than 3 years) Personal travel narratives could be retained longer. Atlases should not be older than 5 years.The history collection should contain a range of materials on all historical periods. Retain local history but you may check to see if Nebraska Reference (3rd fl.) needs it, before weeding. Examine circulation statistics for history works you are not sure of. Please weed if not checked out in the last 4 years.Biography--Keep until demand wanes, unless outstanding in content or style and still used. Keep if subject has permanent interest or importance. Replace older biographies of mediocre literary value when better ones appear. Keep works about local/regional individuals.
- 24. Guidelines for Weeding MediaMusic Compact DiscsWeed according to circulation statistics, or condition. Floating coordinators will examine the collection monthly and transfer items to other locations in need.Music CD's, which have not circulated in 2 years, are considered for withdrawal. Spoken Compact Discs Weed according to circulation statistics, or condition.Floating coordinators will examine the collection monthly and transfer items to other locations in need.SCD’s checked out less than 10 times in the last 2 years can be weeded. DVDsWeed according to circulation statistics, or condition. A DVD circulated over 100 times should be evaluated for weeding. Nonfiction DVDs and older feature films that have not circulated in 2 years can be weeded.Keep classics, but weed for condition and ask for purchase of new copies.DVDs checked out less than 10 times in the last 2 years can be weeded.
- 25. collectionHQ at Omaha Public LibrarycollectionHQ is a software application for libraries delivered via the internet as a subscription based service.We send ILS data monthly to collectionHQ and the collection staff is able to analyze the data to improve performance of the collections and helps make better purchasing decisions, based on analysis of evidence of demand.OPL plan: Team approach—3 phases:Clean up of catalog and cleanse shelves of undesirable items printed off collection check lists for each branch, items not checked out for 4 years and grubby items with over 40 checkouts. 2. Consolidate and Improve -- set up swap groups and transfer materials to give materials a chance to check out at another location.Meet Popular Demand -- run reports such as popular author, subjects, understocked and overstocked materials, etc. -- spending plan tools, standing orders, etc. www.collectionHQ.com
- 26. Top Authors at Omaha Public Library August 2011PositionAuthorCirculation1Patterson, James146821113Seuss3Brown, Marc Tolon7944Evanovich, Janet7835Berenstain, Stan6746Meadows, Daisy6487Osborne, Mary Pope6288Roberts, Nora6219Rey, Margret61510Rylant, Cynthia51011O'Connor, Jane44812Macomber, Debbie44013Warner, Gertrude Chandler43614Park, Barbara42215Baldacci, David39816Steel, Danielle39217Stilton, Geronimo39218Michaels, Fern37419Bridwell, Norman36920Awdry, W367Powered by
- 27. Collection Check Action Plan (Non-Fiction)Date of ReportSep 15, 2011 6:03 PMSystemOmaha Public LibraryDataset28-Aug-11TypeAdultRegionOmaha GroupLibrary NameMain LibraryFrom Class004.600000To Class004.999900DescriptionPeripherals/comms/internet The following titles may not be on your shelves. Action: Check shelves and update ILS for missing stock.AuthorTitleISBNLast Use BarcodeDate Class CollectionNew Entry?Call DateAddedNumberNumberBarth, Wolfgang.Nagios :1593270704Oct 14, 33149024370039Apr 14, 004.600000NM2004.620062006Burgess, Mark,Principles of network and 0470868074May 17, 33149024445799Jan 20, 004.600000NM2004.6system administration /20072006Tollett, John.Macs on the go :0321247485Jul 6, 33149024394260Jun 28, 004.620000NM2004.6220072006Sep 15, 2011 Collection Check Action Plan (Non-Fiction)Page:46:03 PM
- 28. Long Overdue Check Action Plan (Fiction)Date of ReportSep 15, 2011 6:36 PMSystemOmaha Public LibraryDataset28-Aug-11RegionOmaha GroupLibrary NameWilla Cather BranchCollectionScience Fiction (SF) The following items have been on loan and have not been returned. Update your ILS accordingly.TitleISBNLast Use DateBarcodeDate AddedNew Entry?Call AuthorNumberThe approaching storm /Foster, Alan Dean,0345443004Sep 14, 2010Jan 8, 2002New EntrySF33149016547719Shatterpoint :Stover, Matthew 0345455738Sep 18, 2010Jun 26, 2003New EntrySF33149018477477Woodring.The unifying force /Luceno, James0345428528Feb 23, 2011Dec 16, 2003New Entry33149022550152SFSep 15, 2011 Long Overdue Check Action Plan (Fiction)Page:36:36 PM
- 29. Maggie Tarelli-Falcon | Assistant Library DirectorW. Dale Clark Main Library 215 S. 15th St. | Omaha, Ne 68102 mtarelli-falcon@omahalibrary.org| 402.444.4854omahalibrary.org Follow OPL on Twitter & Facebook.
- 30. Academically WeedingCasey Kralik, Technical Services LibrarianOctober 7, 2011 Weeding Panel Presentation sponsored by Technical Services Round Table, NLA
- 31. Policy and ProcedureStandard weeding appliesFocus on supporting curriculum, educationDissertationsFaculty Publications, selected materialsCore, research materials
- 32. Getting StartedSet up a scheduleGet others involvedReference LibrariansSubject LiaisonsSubjects and CollectionsAssign individuals to specific areas
- 33. Evaluation and DisposalDecide who evaluates (1 or more)Utilize your toolsDirector’s Station (SirsiDynix)CatalogMaterial disposalBook sale3rd party sellersRecycling
- 34. Documentation and Follow UpStatisticsDe-valuation informationKeep the cycle goingweeding acquisition
- 35. Weeding in a School LibraryPatty Birch, School LibrarianNorth Platte High School
- 36. Why Weed?Weeding gets us back in the stacks, handling the books
- 37. As we physically pull books, it allows us to see what does go out and reminds us of older titles that are still worth recommendingWHAT TO WEEDCold War thrillers that have outlived their popularityOlder historical novels (writing styles change, authors go out of fashion, and dated covers detract).Less than-thrilling medical thrillers that all appear on the zero-circ list. Biographies of people no one knowsFrom the September 1, 2011 Booklist article by Joyce Saricks, entitled, “At Leisure with Joyce Saricks: The Lessons of Weeding.
- 38. MORE TITLES TO WEEDEvery rebound book in its buckram coverEvery book without a jacket (It’s worth investing a few dollars on new paperback copies rather than expecting jacketless books to circulate). Many short story collectionsFrom the September 1, 2011 Booklist article by Joyce Saricks, entitled, “At Leisure with Joyce Saricks: The Lessons of Weeding.
- 39. OTHERS CAN HELPI had a student helper go through the fiction section and tell me what books a student would NEVER pick up because:It had a dorky coverIt was old It was icky to touchSomeone had taken a bath with the book
- 40. EXPERTS IN A FIELDBecause there are some subjects I feel I need help, I solicit a teacher from that discipline to assist me when weeding non-fiction
- 41. REORGANIZING THE FICTION…GAVE US A BIG OPPORTUNITY TO WEED
- 42. About donations…remember….Don’t add any book, or audio visual item that you would not purchase for the library…You’ll just end up weeding that item!
- 43. HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR COLLECTIONCollection evaluation:is “an organized process for systematically analyzing and describing a library’s collection”I Use Follett’s TitleWise Collection Analysis (Primarily for Schools)
- 45. Follett Titlewise – Analysis Overview
- 46. 2 Other Different Weeding Plans:1) Gail Dickinson’s Three-Step Weeding Process(Professor in the School Library Media Program, Dept. of Educational Curriculum and Instruction, Darden College of Education at Old Dominion University, Virginia)2) Karen Lowe’s Resource Alignment: Providing Curriculum Support in the School Library Media CenterLowe, K. R. (2005). Resource Alignment: Providing Curriculum Support in the School Library Media Center. Millers Creek, NC: Beacon Consulting.
- 47. Gail Dickinson’s Three-Step Weeding Process One-shelf-per-week procedureStep 1. Stand in front of the shelf, slightly pulling out the books that at first glace look like they might need to be weeded. (Time: 1 minute)Step 2. Look at each book you have selected, and apply the selection principles. Step 3. Make the decision of whether or not to actually weed the books. Take the books you’re considering and delete them from the OPAC. b) Mark the books as weeded, remove markings, etc. Toss the books in the trash. (Time: 10 minutes)
- 48. Don’t shotgun spend. Instead, use a rifle. Karen Lowe’s Resource Alignment: Providing Curriculum Support in the School Library Media CenterPrint a shelf list from the OPAC. Include copyright dateHighlight the copyright date of materials which appear to be out of date (yellow)Take the shelf list to the shelves; highlight worn copies, etc. Using the forms Karen Lowe provides in her book, develop a list of resource strengths and needsPrioritize the needsDivide the needs over three to five years, based on available fundsDetermine amount of fund $$ needed per yearPrepare a recommendation, explaining the rationale for the plan and budgetShare plan, budget and narrative with interested parties Slant funding towards those who use the resources in your library, and slant spending towards users, but have ALL topic areas of curriculum covered
- 49. Have a plan for items you Plan to Discard:Throw Them Away. It’s okay, really, It’s hard, but sometimes, there is a reason why a book hasn’t circulated in 5 or 10 years. Book sale (Friends of the Library sale) For schools, don’t have a saleGive to other organizations like Better World Books, etc.Transfer to storage site or special collections
- 50. Weed continuously throughout the year:Don’t ProcrastinateDon’t wait until summerTakes less time when done continuouslyMake it a weekly priorityAim for 15 minutes a week.
- 51. Questions?Slides will be posted to SlideShare