Collection Evaluation and Weeding, OR

We are NOT the Museum of the Book!

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A definition

Removing items from the collection based on specific criteria.

Our physical and virtual collections must be dynamic

and current.

Packed shelves and

dead links are NOT what our users want to

see.

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Why Evaluate and Weed?

Save timeSave spaceLearn 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

Use Your Data! Circulation Data Age of Items User Ratings (especially for collections

curated with tools like Scoop.it) Curriculum Alignment

Big changes from CCGPS adoption Check student reference

lists/bibliographies—did their sources come from your library?

MUSTYMisleading (No more Reagan 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Superseded (No more 1999 Guinness Book of World Records!)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 busyBooks are sacredMight be needed by somebody, sometimeNumbers—current rules do NOT require this!Admitting a selection mistakeDestruction 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

Optionso Give to teachers for classroom use

(really?)o Donate items to otherso Book saleo Recycle

Before you do anything check your school/district policy and check with

your administration!