Weeding Collections: A Four Library Perspective

Weeding:Policies and Plans

Policy
Gives activity official imprimatur
Provides basis for decision-making
Commits staff to activity
Outlines a schedule for activity

Sample Policy Language
Each 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 Athenaeum
Pittsfield [MA] Public Library
http://www.pittsfieldlibrary.org/policy_weeding.html

Elements of a Weeding Policy
Necessity of weeding
Who is responsible?
Exceptions
Historical/Local
Rare
Methodology
Disposal methods
Criteria
Misleading info
Physical condition
Use
Age
Duplicate volumes
Subject
Coverage

Plan
Puts activities in context of community and library
Considers entire collection
Pre-makes decisions

Selection Responsibility
Selection Guidelines
Selection Criteria
Access
Gifts
Reconsideration of Library Resources

Description
Influencing Factors
Selection Plan
Retention & Weeding
Development Plan

Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding

CREW Criteria
Misleading
Ugly
Superseded
Trivial
Irrelevant to your collection
Elsewhere (I.L.L.)

Using CREW
Maximum permissible time without use
Copyright DateIs it more than X year(s) ago?

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

Weeding As A Part of Collection Development, by
Pamela K. Kramer. Presented at ISLMA 11/8/02.
http://www.islma.org/pdf/weeding.PDF
Weeding Library Collections: A Selected
Annotated Bibliography for Library Collection Evaluation
http://www.ala.org/ala/professionalresources/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet15.cfm
CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries. http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/
epubs/creativecommons/crewmethod08.pdf
Library Collection Development Policies, by Frank W. Hoffmann and Richard J. Wood. 2007

Weeding Materials at Omaha Public Library
Maggie Tarelli-Falcon, Assistant Library Director
October 7, 2011

Facts about Omaha Public Library
12 branches
1 million materials
3.2 million checkouts (in 2010)
Materials budget of 1.7 million
Floating DVDs, audiobooks, music cds, paperbacks , large print, graphic novels, Playaways, and Bestseller Express

Why Weed?
It is a disservice to customers to keep books that contain inaccurate or dated information.
No library is large enough to keep everything. Our smaller branches in particular are facing space constraints and must be weeded diligently.
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.”
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.
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.

Guidelines by Dewey Class 340-610
340 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 materials
390 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.

Guidelines by Dewey Class 641.5-770
641.5 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.

Guidelines by Dewey Class 800-Fiction
800 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.

Guidelines by Dewey Class Fiction-Biography
Weed 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.

Guidelines for Weeding Media
Music Compact Discs
Weed 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
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.
DVDs
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.

collectionHQ at Omaha Public Library
collectionHQ 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

Top Authors at Omaha Public Library
August 2011
Position
Author
Circulation
1
Patterson, James
1468
2
1113
Seuss
3
Brown, Marc Tolon
794
4
Evanovich, Janet
783
5
Berenstain, Stan
674
6
Meadows, Daisy
648
7
Osborne, Mary Pope
628
8
Roberts, Nora
621
9
Rey, Margret
615
10
Rylant, Cynthia
510
11
O'Connor, Jane
448
12
Macomber, Debbie
440
13
Warner, Gertrude Chandler
436
14
Park, Barbara
422
15
Baldacci, David
398
16
Steel, Danielle
392
17
Stilton, Geronimo
392
18
Michaels, Fern
374
19
Bridwell, Norman
369
20
Awdry, W
367
Powered by

Collection Check Action Plan (Non-Fiction)
Date of Report
Sep 15, 2011 6:03 PM
System
Omaha Public Library
Dataset
28-Aug-11
Type
Adult
Region
Omaha Group
Library Name
Main Library
From Class
004.600000
To Class
004.999900
Description
Peripherals/comms/internet

The following titles may not be on your shelves. Action: Check shelves and update ILS for missing stock.
Author
Title
ISBN
Last Use
Barcode
Date
Class
Collection
New Entry?
Call
Date
Added
Number
Number
Barth, Wolfgang.
Nagios :
1593270704
Oct 14,
33149024370039
Apr 14,
004.600000
NM2
004.6
2006
2006
Burgess, Mark,
Principles of network and
0470868074
May 17,
33149024445799
Jan 20,
004.600000
NM2
004.6
system
administration /
2007
2006
Tollett, John.
Macs on the go :
0321247485
Jul 6,
33149024394260
Jun 28,
004.620000
NM2
004.62
2007
2006
Sep 15, 2011
Collection Check Action Plan (Non-Fiction)
Page:
4
6:03
PM

Long Overdue Check Action Plan (Fiction)
Date of Report
Sep 15, 2011 6:36 PM
System
Omaha Public Library
Dataset
28-Aug-11
Region
Omaha Group
Library Name
Willa Cather Branch
Collection
Science Fiction (SF)

The following items have been on loan and have not been returned. Update your ILS accordingly.
Title
ISBN
Last Use Date
Barcode
Date Added
New Entry?
Call
Author
Number
The approaching storm /
Foster, Alan Dean,
0345443004
Sep 14, 2010
Jan 8, 2002
New Entry
SF
33149016547719
Shatterpoint :
Stover, Matthew
0345455738
Sep 18, 2010
Jun 26, 2003
New Entry
SF
33149018477477
Woodring.
The unifying force /
Luceno, James
0345428528
Feb 23, 2011
Dec 16, 2003
New Entry
33149022550152
SF
Sep 15, 2011
Long Overdue Check Action Plan (Fiction)
Page:
3
6:36
PM

Maggie Tarelli-Falcon | Assistant Library DirectorW. Dale Clark Main Library
215 S. 15th St. | Omaha, Ne 68102 mtarelli-falcon@omahalibrary.org| 402.444.4854
omahalibrary.org

Follow OPL on Twitter & Facebook
.

Academically Weeding
Casey Kralik, Technical Services Librarian
October 7, 2011 Weeding Panel Presentation sponsored by Technical Services Round Table, NLA

Policy and Procedure
Standard weeding applies
Focus on supporting curriculum, education
Dissertations
Faculty Publications, selected materials
Core, research materials

Getting Started
Set up a schedule
Get others involved
Reference Librarians
Subject Liaisons
Subjects and Collections
Assign individuals to specific areas

Evaluation and Disposal
Decide who evaluates (1 or more)
Utilize your tools
Director’s Station (SirsiDynix)
Catalog
Material disposal
Book sale
3rd party sellers
Recycling

Documentation and Follow Up
Statistics
De-valuation information
Keep the cycle going
weeding  acquisition

Weeding in a School Library
Patty Birch, School Librarian
North Platte High School

Why Weed?
Weeding gets us back in the stacks, handling the books
As we physically pull books, it allows us to see what does go out and reminds us of older titles that are still worth recommending

WHAT TO WEED
Cold War thrillers that have outlived their popularity
Older 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 knows
From the September 1, 2011 Booklist article by Joyce Saricks, entitled, “At Leisure with Joyce Saricks: The Lessons of Weeding.

MORE TITLES TO WEED
Every rebound book in its buckram cover
Every 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 collections
From the September 1, 2011 Booklist article by Joyce Saricks, entitled, “At Leisure with Joyce Saricks: The Lessons of Weeding.

OTHERS CAN HELP
I 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 cover
It was old
It was icky to touch
Someone had taken a bath with the book

EXPERTS IN A FIELD
Because there are some subjects I feel I need help, I solicit a teacher from that discipline to assist me when weeding non-fiction

REORGANIZING THE FICTION…GAVE US A BIG OPPORTUNITY TO WEED

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!

HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR COLLECTION
Collection evaluation:is “an organized process for systematically analyzing and describing a library’s collection”
I Use Follett’s
TitleWise Collection Analysis
(Primarily for Schools)

Follett Titlewise – Analysis Overview

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 Center
Lowe, K. R. (2005). Resource Alignment: Providing Curriculum Support in the School Library Media Center. Millers Creek, NC: Beacon Consulting.

Gail Dickinson’s Three-Step Weeding Process One-shelf-per-week procedure
Step 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)

Don’t shotgun spend. Instead, use a rifle.
Karen Lowe’s Resource Alignment:
Providing Curriculum Support in the School Library Media Center
Print a shelf list from the OPAC. Include copyright date
Highlight 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 needs
Prioritize the needs
Divide the needs over three to five years, based on available funds
Determine amount of fund $$ needed per year
Prepare a recommendation, explaining the rationale for the plan and budget
Share 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

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 sale
Give to other organizations like Better World Books, etc.
Transfer to storage site or special collections

Weed continuously throughout the year:
Don’t Procrastinate
Don’t wait until summer
Takes less time when done continuously
Make it a weekly priority
Aim for 15 minutes a week.

Questions?
Slides will be posted to SlideShare

http://nebraskalibraries.org	208
http://blogs.bellevue.edu	172
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com	2

Weeding Collections: A Four Library Perspective

by ckralik

Accessibility

Categories

Upload Details

Usage Rights

3 Embeds 382

Statistics