To keep a collection updated, Media Specialist use the CREW Method. This method reminds them to evaluate the collection throughout the whole year. One needs to review and evaluate the material before weeding. Media Specialist use the MUSTY term to help them remember the reasons for weeding.
Collection Development and Weeding
In order to maintain an up-to-date and successful collection, materials need to be evaluated yearly. Weeding must be performed to maintain a current collection. Weeding is an opportunity to evaluate the condition of materials. This process looks at the condition of books removing books that are no longer of value to the collection.
Media Specialist approach weeding using the following principles:
X- book's last copyright date
Y-maximum time without circulation (at librarian's discretion)
M- misleading information
U- ugly
S-superseded by better works
T-trivial
I-irrelevant
E-elsewhere the material may be obtained expeditiously
Consider discarding library materials if...
Non-print materials
Disposing of Books...
In order to maintain an up-to-date and successful collection, materials need to be evaluated yearly. Weeding must be performed to maintain a current collection. Weeding is an opportunity to evaluate the condition of materials. This process looks at the condition of books removing books that are no longer of value to the collection.
Media Specialist approach weeding using the following principles:
X- book's last copyright date
Y-maximum time without circulation (at librarian's discretion)
M- misleading information
U- ugly
S-superseded by better works
T-trivial
I-irrelevant
E-elsewhere the material may be obtained expeditiously
Consider discarding library materials if...
- Book is in bad condition
- Books with low check out rates
- Contributes to false stereotypes
- Multiple copies
- Beyond repair
- Yellowed or dry-rotted pages
- Topics no longer of interest
- Out-of-date reference materials
Non-print materials
- Non-print materials should be weeded using the same guidelines as print materials.
- AV material should also be evaluated for condition and need.
- Worn out and outdated materials should be considered for disposal.
- Consider replacement in a new format if the material is valuable to the collection.
Disposing of Books...
- Make a mark through all labels.
- Delete the copy from the circulation system.
- Stamp book with deleted stamp.
- Offer books to teachers first, students second, dispose of remaining titles in a packed box for the warehouse.
Woks Cited
CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries | TSLAC, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/crew/index.html.
“California Department of Education.” California Department of Education, https://www.cde.ca.gov/.
“California Department of Education.” California Department of Education, https://www.cde.ca.gov/.
“TSLAC |.” TSLAC |, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/.
Wilson, H.W. “Middle & Junior High Core Collection: HW Wilson.” Middle & Junior High Core Collection | HW Wilson,
https://www.hwwilsoninprint.com/midjun_core.php.
CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries | TSLAC, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/crew/index.html.
“California Department of Education.” California Department of Education, https://www.cde.ca.gov/.
“California Department of Education.” California Department of Education, https://www.cde.ca.gov/.
“TSLAC |.” TSLAC |, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/.
Wilson, H.W. “Middle & Junior High Core Collection: HW Wilson.” Middle & Junior High Core Collection | HW Wilson,
https://www.hwwilsoninprint.com/midjun_core.php.
Created by Stacey Phillips
Last updated July 2022
Last updated July 2022