WEEDING THE INFORMAL WEEDING CONSIDER KEEPING …

1 WEEDING THECOLLECTIONDEFINITIONW eeding is the removal of materials(books, periodicals, encyclopedias, videosetc.) from a library collection in a plannedand systematic way. The deselectingprocess is an ongoing part of collectiondevelopment, a deliberate and thoughtfulactivity that will keep the library current WEED OR NOT TO WEED:POLICY AND CRITERIAThe selection policy for the TDSB considers WEEDING an important part ofsound collection development. Individualschool Teacher-Librarians should considerthe following criteria in developing a planfor WEEDING . Copyright: older books require closerexamination for content Content: should be relevant to theschool needs and provincial curriculum Physical Condition: Is it worthrepairing? Circulation: How long since it waslast checked out? Current: Is newer material/informationavailable? INFORMAL WEEDINGAn ongoing process where torn, tattered ordefaced materials are deselected as theyare returned to the school WEEDINGA planned rotational process that seeseach section of the library targeted on aregular Develop a timeline with a definite goalfor evaluating the entire collection Inform staff and administration of yourplan and criteria used The library may be closed withPrincipal s approval during the initialweeding process (1 to 2 days) Have carts, recycling bins, boxes,dusters, hand wipes and post-it notesavailable Each book should be evaluatedindividually Delete barcodes from the system byscanning onto Notepad (call HorizonHelp Desk)

2 CONSIDER KEEPING Award winners and classics Student authored books Local histories School yearbooks and publications Titles in curriculum units Out of print titles that are still useful andrelevantCOPYRIGHTT hese are only suggested copyright markersto use as a guideline along with the othercriteria Classification0003-10 years50010 years10010 years6005-10 years2002-10 years7005-15 years3005-10 years800flexible40010 years90010 yearsBiographiesflexibleFictionflexible check forappropriatenessEncyclopedia5-7 yearsReferenceevaluate on an individualbasisAtlas5-10 yearsPeriodicals3 yearsAlmanacs3 years in reference, 3years in circulationFilmstripunless compelling or inhigh use, deselectVideos15 yearsCD ROMdependent on materialMUSTY*MMisleading can occur more rapidly in technology thatmythology. Look for: Obsolete information Racial, cultural or sexualstereotypingUUgly refers to the physicalcondition of the book. Antiquated appearance Worn out, frayed, dirty, moldy Unable to repairSSuperseded there may benewer copies available.

3 Duplicate copies Almanacs, encyclopediassuperseded by newer editionsTTrivial look for relevancefor the collection. Check forpoor writing, inaccurateinformation and appropriateinterest and reading levelsfor studentsYYour collection has no usefor the 1 *American Library AssociationBENEFITS OF WEEDING Creates an up-to-date collection Ensures that all parts of thecollection have been evaluatedfor equity issues andstereotyping Makes gap analysis easier Directs further collectiondevelopment Provides a cleaner and moreattractive collection Makes it easier to search andfind relevant material Makes it easier to maintain thelibrary Highlights and makesaccessible new and excitingresourcesAdapted from brochure produced by theCalifornia Department of EducationA vital part of theselection processWhy weed?It does not matter how manybooks you have, but whetherthey are good or MoraleLucius Annaeus SENECA 3 BC 65 ADWEEDINGTHE SCHOOLLIBRARY