Rationale
The Giant’s Head School Resource Centre collection will be weeded regularly in order to:
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make space for more valuable items; |
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provide a more appealing, more up-to-date collection; |
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make the library easier for patrons and staff to use; |
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provide reliable information; |
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identify resources which need repair or replacement and |
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provide feedback to the teacher-librarian on strengths and weaknesses of the collection. |
Criteria
Library staff other than the teacher-librarian may complete the weeding of resources with the following criteria:
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Poor Physical Consideration – Worn and damaged resources should be weeded and consideration given to a replacement. Quality resources that are poorly bound may be considered for rebinding. |
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Superseded editions – When a revised edition of a title is added to the collection, the previous outdated edition should be weeded. |
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Duplicates – When there are duplicates, which are no longer in heavy demand, all unnecessary duplicates should be weeded. Duplicates may be placed in classrooms. |
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Periodicals should be discarded after two years. These may be placed in classrooms for student reading or for art projects. |
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Resources which do not conform with copyright legislation should be destroyed: |
- videos without public performance rights,
- pirated software, CD’s and
- photocopied print material.
The professional analysis and expertise of the teacher-librarian is required for resources weeded based on the following criteria:
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Material containing information that is not easily accessible. Such as material with: |
- no table of contents;
- no index or
- content is poorly organized.
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Material with outdated, inaccurate factual content; outdated interpretations, values and/or attitudes, including resources that are condescending, stereotyped, patronizing or biased. |
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Material for which the format or reading level is inappropriate to the reading and/or interest level of the students. Material that is no longer in demand, or which no longer supports the curriculum. |
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Material that is mediocre or poor in quality, with outdated and unattractive format, design, graphics or illustrations. Material that has not circulated in 3 years. |
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Audiovisual formats where equipment no longer supports usage. |
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Material that is not SI metric should be given special consideration. |
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Encyclopedias should be replaced after five years and may be placed in classrooms for student use. |
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Almanacs should be weeded and new ones purchased yearly. |
Some materials that should not be weeded:
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Literature, which is considered a classic or is an award winner unless a more attractive edition is available. |
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Items which appear on standard, current core bibliographies; |
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Items which may be out-of-print and which may still have some possible use; |
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Resources which are of local interest; local histories; |
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Resources unique in content, format, illustrative technique etc.; |
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Resources, the absence of which may skew the balance in a subject area or may result in biased representation and |
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Items incorrectly classified or poorly promoted which might circulate under changed circumstances. |
Weeding Procedures
1. Identify materials to be deselected. Ask for teacher input when in doubt.
2. Remove bar code.
3. Stamp with Discard stamp.
4. Update computer records
5. Items in poor physical condition are sent to the Board Office for appropriate disposal.
6. Careful consideration must be made before placing discarded items in classrooms or selling items to students at a book sale.
7. Items of historical value may be offered to the Summerland Museum.