Collection Evaluation and Weeding
Transcript of Collection Evaluation and Weeding
Collection Evaluation and Weeding
Georgia Southern University
FRIT 7732
Dr. S. A. Jones
We are NOT the Museum
of the Book!
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Weeding definition
Removing items from the
collection based on specific
criteria.
Packed shelves
are NOT what our users want to see.
and dead links
Why Evaluate and Weed?
• Save time
• Save space
• Learn about your collection’s
strengths and weaknesses
• Ensure access to current,
accurate and relevant
information
Having something is NOT
always better than having
nothing!
Collection Evaluation
• Collection-centered measures– Curriculum alignment with CCGPS– Collection mapping– Examining the collection directly– Age analysis
• Use-centered measures– Circulation /in library use – User opinion surveys
Collection Assessment –
Analyzing What You Have
By uploading MARC records from the library’s automated system to one of the vendor analysis sites, you can receive reports by Dewey 100s and 10s and other classifications prefixes like F or REF, on:
Number of titles or percentages of the collection
Average age data and titles by decade
Age “sensitivity”
Comparisons to other “benchmark” collections
NOTE: NO usage data, only collection data
Some Companies that offer FREE
Collection Analysis Services
Follett Library Resources
Mackin
Bound to Stay Bound
Capstone
or check with your book jobber
Understand that vendors provide this service
because they want your business.
Additionally, they provide a searchable
database of titles they sell.
Collection Assessment –
Analyzing Usage
Using data from the circulation system, you
can print reports on:
Circulation/in-library or in-classroom use
Comparing use annually or by call numbers
Monitoring use by patron type, grade level,
etc.
All this by Dewey 100s and 10s and other
classification prefixes like F, REF, etc.
NOTE: Usage data, some collection data
MUSTYMisleading (No more Bush as the
current president!)
Ugly (Visual inspection)
Superseded (No more 1999 Guinness Book of World Records!)
Trivial (Biography of Mark McGwire anybody?)
Your collection
The FearsToo busy
Books are sacred
Might be needed by somebody, sometime
Numbers—current rules do NOT require this!
Admitting a selection mistake
Destruction of public property
What about...
Classics
Ok to keep but check for
newer, more appealing
editions
School history--Keep
Local history--Keep
Textbooks--Discard
The really big issue
How and where do you discard the materials you weed?
Optionso Give to teachers for classroom use
(with caution)
o Donate items to others (schools or organizations)
o Book sale
o Recycle
Before you do anything check your school/district policy and check with
your administration!
http://cdn.homedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/LibraryDeskMadefromBooks2.jpg
A circulation desk made of books:A way to weed your books and keep them too!