Weeding and Deselection
nounPronunciation: /ˈwidɪŋ ənd ˌdisɪˈlɛkʃən/
The systematic process of identifying and removing outdated, unused, damaged, or superseded materials from the library collection to maintain currency and optimize shelf space. Deselection decisions are guided by collection development policies and may include withdrawal, donation, or recycling of items.
Plain English
The careful process of removing old or unused books and materials from the library collection.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The librarian performed strategic weeding and deselection of print journals to make room for new monographs."
Style guide notes: Use 'weeding and deselection' as a paired term to emphasize both removal and decision-making aspects.
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Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria determine whether an item should be weeded?
Common criteria include publication date, circulation history, physical condition, relevance to curriculum, and duplicate copies.
What happens to materials removed through weeding?
Items may be donated to other institutions, recycled, offered to faculty or staff, or disposed of according to institutional policies.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Essential for assessing collection management competency in academic libraries.
Required skill level: Mid