De-selection of Library Material
De-selection, or weeding, is a time-honored process for all libraries and is a vital part of collection development at Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library. It is one of the many tools librarians use to ensure that the collection continues to be relevant and up-to-date for the Sul Ross State University community and the local communities we serve. De-selection is a process for removing books that no longer fit within the collection guidelines, are in poor condition, are no longer used by patrons, or are outdated.
The library follows several guidelines while considering materials for de-selection. This includes:
- The Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library Collection Development Policy
- Statistical reports on library circulation and use of materials
- Texas State Library and Archives commissions, “Crew: A weeding manual for modern libraries”
- American Library Association, “Weeding Library Collections: A Selected Annotated Bibliography for Library Collection Evaluation”
In the case of items that are withdrawn due to low use, Sul Ross State University affiliates may still find these materials available through the library’s InterLibrary Loan services which allows patrons to borrow items held in other libraries worldwide.
Items selected for de-processing may be offered to faculty, offered to other libraries, recycled or discarded as state policies and regulations allow.