Weeding with the CREW MethodBelinda Boonbboon@tsl.state.tx.us

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Weeding (culling, deselection)The process of removing books and other materials that are:

In dilapidated physical condition

Contain outdated or inaccurate information

Do not fit into the scope of the librarys collection

The CREW MethodContinuous

Review

Evaluation

Weeding

Reasons for WeedingTo save SPACE

To save TIME

To make the collection MORE APPEALING

Reasons for WeedingTo enhance the librarys reputation for realiability and up-to-datedness

Reasons for WeedingTo provide a continuous check on the NEED FOR REPAIRS

To provide feedback on the collections STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES

Obstacles to WeedingProcrastination

Staff resistance

Negative reactions of users and administration

Reluctance to admit selection mistakes

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Obstacles to WeedingTime consuming

Cost

Sacred quality of books

FEAR

Anything is better than nothing

Before WeedingEvaluate the collection

Become familiar with the librarys materials selection policy

Become familiar with goals for the collection

Other ConsiderationsLibrarys role in the communityNeeds and demands of users

Other ConsiderationsHow a particular item relates to others on the same subject

Available Funds

Other ConsiderationsCooperative agreements with other libraries

Library considered an archive or local history center?

Relying on ILL for discards

What to WeedBooks and materials of poor content

Books and materials of poor appearance

Unused materials

What to WeedTopics no longer within the priorities of the collection

What to WeedThe MUSTIE Guidelines

M=Misleading

U=Ugly

S=Superseded

T=Trivial

I=Irrelevant E=May be obtained Elsewhere

Weeding Criteria (all materials)Date/Author

Publisher

Physical Condition

Additional copies

Weeding Criteria (all materials)Shelf-time

Replacement expense

Relevance to the community

Other resources available

Weeding Criteria (Juvenile & YA)Format

Reading level

Current interest in subject matter

Jacket art/ illustrations

Weeding Criteria (Periodicals)Current Use

Available indexing

Available space

Alternate formats(e.g., online databases)

Do Not WeedLocal history

Works by local authors

Works with local settings

Do Not WeedVolumes of sets and series with special merit

Older reference works augmented by (not superceded by) later editions

Weeding ResponsibilityThe library media specialist makes the final judgment on what will be weeded.

Steps for Weeding (Before)Make weeding a part of policy

Read shelves

Check the librarys holdings (inventory)

Steps for Weeding (During)Gather usage statistics

Gather weeding tools

Examine the collection item by item

Check standard indexes

Steps for Weeding (After)Treat books according to their slipsOrder replacementsPromote with displaysIncorporate weeding into routine

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Weeding Childrens MaterialsTypes of Materials

Juvenile FictionYoung Adult FictionPicture Books (easy readers)Nonfiction

Weeding Childrens MaterialsOther Considerations

Simplified Classics (abridgements)Series BooksOlder TitlesTravel and GeographyScience, Medicine and InventionsText Books

Weeding Childrens MaterialsLimited budgets make it impossible to develop extensive childrens collections

Concentrate on best books lists featured in library literature

Weeding Reference MaterialsConsiderations

Older editions may be weeded when superceded

Materials should be periodically evaluated

Different replacement schedules

Weeding Reference MaterialsTypes of Materials

AlmanacsDictionariesDirectoriesAtlasesHandbooksIndexes

Weeding Nonbook MaterialsTypes of MaterialsArt PrintsFilmstripsVideocassettesAudiocassettesBook/Tape SetsCD-ROMsComputer Disks

What to do with Weeded MaterialsRebind

Mend

Replace

Promote

What to do with Weeded MaterialsDisposal Methods

SellDonateTradeRecycleDestroy

Other Weeding IssuesTime Frames/Frequency

Sharing the Process

SUNLINK Weed-of-the-Month Club (www.sunlink.ucf.edu/weed)

Other Weeding IssuesTraining and Education

Arizona State Library -CD Module(www.lib.az.us/cdt/weeding.htm)

Idahos Alternative Basic Education (ABLE) Program(www.lili.org/isl/cepage/ABLE.htm)

Start weeding today!Its NEVER too late!