Weeding the Collection

 

Learning Objectives
  • Learn why it is important to maintain the library collection and discover tools to support the work.
Weeding the Collection

Weeding, or removing outdated, obsolete, or damaged materials is an essential part of collection management. The weeding process makes room for new materials, keeping the library collection current and relevant. If you use INFOhio's LSP, a shelf list or MobileStaff's Deselect feature can help with this process. 

One of the most well-known weeding methods is the CREW method. CREW stands for Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding. Developed by the Texas State Library and Archive Commission, the CREW method uses the MUSTIE acronym to guide librarians in the process of evaluating library materials for weeding. See below for an explanation of this acronym.

According to CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries, there are six benefits of weeding (p. 15-16):

  1. Weeding saves space.
  2. It saves time.
  3. It makes the collection more appealing.
  4. It enhances your library's reputation for reliability and currency.
  5. It helps to keep up with collection needs.
  6. It reveals the collection's strengths and weaknesses for future planning.

When Should Weeding Be Done? 

Weeding should be a continuous process throughout the year. As materials are returned to the library, look at the physical shape of the item, as well as the content. If the material looks bad, is damaged, or has outdated content, remove the item from the collection. Many librarians choose to weed before inventory. This can help with the clean-up of the collection and to remove any items that haven't circulated in a certain amount of time. It is a good idea to consult the administration before weeding for information on district policies for removing items purchased with public funds. Discuss the plan with an administrator. Some schools require a school board to sign off on removing library materials. In this case, it is important to provide a list of materials potentially up for removal. If you use INFOhio's LSP, talk with your INFOhio Provider on best practices for marking materials for removal as well as generating a list of those items.

What Needs to Be Weeded?

One way to determine what needs to be weeded is to look at the circulation of items. The number of times an item has circulated, along with the published date, are two good indicators of how to determine whether or not to keep a title. If you use INFOhio's LSP, your ITC Library Support Staff can help create a list with this information or create the list for you. 

In addition to circulation statistics and published date, another option to help determine what should be weeded is to use the CREW method's MUSTIE acronym (p. 52-53), 

M

Misleading

Look for items that are misleading and/or factually inaccurate. Old editions and materials where information changes quickly are areas of the collection to pay close attention to.

U

Ugly

Look for items that are ugly. This could mean the item is not in good shape, has damage, or is missing parts or pieces.

S

Superseded (old)

Superseded means that there is a newer edition available. Unless there is a reason to hold onto the older edition(s), remove titles that have new information available.

T

Trivial

Trivial items are those without real literary value and popular for a certain amount of time but no longer are of interest to students or teachers.

I

Irrelevant

Irrelevant items do not serve the needs of your school or district.

E

Elsewhere Available

Items available elsewhere can be accessed outside of your physical collection. INFOhio's digital resources are a perfect example of this. Many journals, magazines, and newspapers can be accessed freely through INFOhio and can save money and space. If you currently subscribe to journals, magazines, and/or newspapers, check to see if they are available through INFOhio.


Weeding is not a quick process, but a thoughtful, deliberate plan will help to create a current, relevant space full of materials to support students and teachers.

Additional Resources to Check Out:

 

Reflecting on Your Learning
  1. Get more familiar with your collection by running a Shelf List (if using INFOhio's LSP) report, and paying attention to publication dates, circulation, and other item information.
  2. Using the MUSTIE method, take a stroll through the library and find any items meeting the criteria for removal. Don't forget to follow proper discarding procedures for your library automation system.
  3. Make sure you have an activation code and the necessary username and password for MobileStaff before attempting to try Deselect. Contact your ITC Library Support Staff for that information.
  4. Determine the best time to weed based on the library's schedule and the district calendar. Contact the administration to talk about weeding plans.
  5. What are other issues that would lead you to weed an item other than those identified in CREW?

 

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