Weeding Guidelines
Under the umbrella of library collection management falls collection development and weeding. Efforts to build a successful collection are only as strong as the library's efforts to manage existing materials occupying shelf space. The BHCC library collection is a WORKING COLLECTION. Library space is always at a premium so warehousing of materials seldom used is rare.
BHCC Library Weeding Statement
- Continuous assessment of library materials initiates items being withdrawn and added to the collection during the course of the academic year.
- BHCC library staff review of American Library Association (ALA) guidelines on collection development and management. Together with library consortial guidelines, this provides a framework for collection management.
- Collection management is a collaborative effort achieved through consultation with BHCC faculty for curriculum guidelines and standards. Subject-specific guidelines are also considered.
Basic Guidelines for BHCC Collection De-selection:
- How often is this item used?
- Is this item current? (--newer edition or replacement title available?)
- What is the physical condition of item?
- Is there physical space for this item?
- If the item is currently in the Reference section of the library should it be transferred to the Circulating Collection (or other appropriate collection) or withdrawn completely from library inventory?
- What in the curriculum does this item support?
Library Weeding Guidelines
Deselecting library materials is the responsibility of librarians working with other interested parties in the college including faculty and staff. The goal of consistent and routine weeding is to ensure that the collection remains useful and relevant to a changing community and curriculum. With the constant acquisition of new materials, it is essential to create new space and review old materials that may be misleading to inexperienced information users.
Library Weeding Procedures
Automatic = new editions or new
formats,
multiple copies, worn out, lost or damaged materials.
Scheduled Weeding = conducted annually (usually
during
down times when most materials are on the shelf)
Computer Generated List = 1 year, 3 years, and 5
years
identifying seldom or never used materials guides routine
weeding
activites.
Discipline and Field Review = criteria for
removal of
materials is area/subject specific. For example, in the
history section
older materials retain their value and remain current and
pertinent
beyond their physical years whereas in medicine and technology
5 years
can be old for a title. In every area of study core materials
and
other works by major contributors in a field are consistently
left
unchallenged.