Physical Weeding Guidelines

Physical Weeding Guidelines

3/1/2012 – Collection Development Office

ITEMS MEETING THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA SHOULD NOT BE RE-SHELVED, FLOATED, TAGGED OR SENT OUT TO FILL A HOLD. All of these items are approved for discard unless otherwise noted.  Items in good condition must be approved by a Collection Development representative before you can remove them from the catalog.

PLEASE DO NOT WEED OR DISCARD CENTRAL STACKS ITEMS.  SEND TO CENTRAL (LST) FOR REVIEW

These items can be identified by an “S” on the spine label, and the location istk_.

1.       Yellowing pages: Items that are older than 2-3 years and are noticeably yellow on inside pages = okay to weed. NOTE: Sometimes items that are 2-3 years old have yellow pages because the publishers have used inferior paper stock. Such items are okay to retain if this is the only thing wrong with them.

2.       Split bindings: Covers / pages are becoming or are already separated. NOTE: Creases on the outside spine of the book do not automatically mean that the binding has split. However, if the book will not close due to multiple creases = weed it.

3.       Dirty / Stained / Water-damaged / Written-on / Hi-lighted: Use your best judgment. If it looks bad and cannot be easily erased in less than 10 minutes = weed it. When in doubt, consult your manager or Collection Development staff (x31469).

4.       Torn pages or torn cover: Minor tears, such as ½ inch on one page or on the cover, are okay to retain if this is the only thing wrong with them.

5.       Plastic book covers: Minor damage can be cleaned or repaired at the unit. Inventory Control can replace seriously damaged book covers (if this is the only thing wrong with the item).

6.       Loose or missing labels: Genre and call number labels can be replaced at the unit using the label kit supplied by Inventory Control and templates which are located on staff terminals in MS Word. Barcodes must be replaced by Inventory Control. Contact Inventory Control (Chris Patrick x31620) for help or replacements.

7.       Other physical damage: Bite marks, cigarette burns, roaches, mold, strong odors, etc. = weed it.

8.       Missing pieces: Books that are missing accompanying materials (such as CD-ROMS or CDs) may be okay to retain provided you correct the contents label on the front of the book, and note the date.  If a customer wants to check out an item with a missing piece, make sure to note this in the patron record.   NOTE: This does not apply to items labeled as “KIT” in the catalog.  Juvenile kits should be discarded if you have waited a reasonable time (1 month) for the missing piece to be returned and it hasn’t been.