Guidelines for evaluating Library Collections

A continual review and evaluation of library materials and collection is necessary to maintain a useful and relevant collection. In school libraries the materials must not only meet the needs of recreational reading, but also support the curriculum. Materials should not be considered historical documents (yearbooks, student publications, etc., have their own place in the collection). A public, school, or academic library should not be the equivalent of a newspaper “morgue.”

Librarians, patrons, and administrations need to understand that it is impossible for libraries to have comprehensive collections in all areas. Materials should be added and physically deteriorated or obsolete materials may be replaced or removed. This is not to be done haphazardly. The fact that a book has not been checked out in a long time does not mean that it should be automatically weeded from the collection. Remember that Forrest Gump was an out of print book that languished on many library shelves.

Instead librarians should evaluate why it has not circulated. Is it cataloged incorrectly or have an unattractive cover? Is it damaged? Does the equipment still exist to support audio visual or computer format? Is it so old that the information is out-of-date? Does it contain biased or incorrect information?

Damaged materials should be evaluated. Is it usable? Can it be repaired and at what cost? Librarians will need to decide whether or not to repair the item, replace it, or remove it from the collection.

Is some or all of the content out-of-date or incorrect? The story is often told of the library that still had on its shelf books that proclaimed, “Man may one day go to the moon.” Current information is important in the areas of technology, science, health, geography, and current affairs. Does the material contain stereotypes or present information with a biased view? This may be done more subtly than expected, and librarians need to be aware of their own biases when evaluating such materials.

Weeding is not a method to remove materials that may be controversial or disapproved of by individuals (even by the librarian). It is a method for libraries to maintain vibrant collections that meet the needs of their patrons.

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