How Materials Are De-Selected For SCC Libraries

Deselection and Removal Guidelines

Deselection is the review and removal of library materials from the Library collection. The Library uses the following criteria to systematically assess the collection:

• Poor physical condition
• Subject no longer part of the curriculum
• Obsolete information
• Superseded edition
• Inappropriate level
• Duplicate copy, unless demand requires multiple copies
• Circulation history
• Age in some subjects is vital, where currency is a factor
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Responsibility:

Responsibility for weeding the collection is shared by the Dean of Learning Resources and the librarians, with input from faculty.

Procedure:

1. Materials will be checked for physical damage and those in poor condition will be repaired and rebound or replaced if they are determined to be of ongoing value.
2. Materials are continuously evaluated.
3. Faculty with expertise in various subject areas will be recruited to assist in the evaluation of materials for currency and accuracy.
4. The Dean of Learning Resources will manage the review process, assigning other librarians according to their workloads and subject expertise. The exact process of reviewing the materials on the shelves will vary with the work styles of the faculty and librarians who are involved. Every effort will be made to permit faculty with expertise in a given field to double check materials targeted for removal before they are actually withdrawn.
5. Resources selected for removal will be withdrawn and discarded according to established policies and procedures.
6. Information gaps revealed by the deselection process will be noted and efforts will be made to obtain materials to fill these gaps.
7. In addition to this formal program of deselection, all staff are encouraged during pursuit of their regular duties to pull materials which are candidates for removal. If a large number of materials for possible withdrawal are discovered, call it to the attention of the Dean of Learning Resources or librarian liaison.
8. Procedures will be reviewed using the "MUSTY formula". This formula is intended to serve as a guideline for collection review. The MUSTY formula was adapted from: Segal, Joseph P. Evaluating and Weeding Collections. Chicago: American Library Association, 1980. Please contact your librarian liaison for an explanation of the "MUSTY" formula as it applies to your area.

Bindery/Repair of Print Materials

Damaged materials are evaluated by the Head of Technical Services and, when appropriate, the Dean of Learning Resources, using the MUSTY Formula as a guideline. Materials are repaired in-house when possible and professionally bound when appropriate.

Did you know?

SCC's Library has one of the most extensive collections of literature and educational materials in Seminole County.