Sometimes weeding is fairly straightforward. When we get the 10th edition of a book, we try to automatically remove the 9th edition from the collection. Systematic weeding involves more evaluation, and that’s our project for 2024. We’re running reports to identify books that have not been checked out since 2014. With that list in hand, we pull the titles and determine whether to keep the book or not. Note the last question in the list below. You’re the subject matter experts. We want to know what you think. There are multiple ways you can give us your feedback. If you visit the library (Building 1, 3rd floor, south wing, room 3458), you’ll see a bookcase next to our workroom. The books on that bookcase are being considered for weeding. If there’s something you think we should retain, let us know. You can also email us and let us know if you’d like to see the list of books for weeding before we offer them to other libraries.
Appropriate for Removal
- Books in poor condition (stained, torn, moldy).
- Outdated: there is a newer edition.
- Outdated: More than five years old.
- Duplicate copies.
- Old media: Audio and Videocassettes, CD-ROMs.
- Should be Reviewed Prior to Removal
- Duplicate of ebook: Needed in Core Collection? These are books that are useful in an emergency.
- Outside the scope of the collection: Pull for review.
- Small press materials that are not circulating, especially if they were gifts.
Consider When Reviewing
- Do we have similar titles that cover the same subjects?
- Is it available at the National Library of Medicine (NLM)?
- Is the it well-reviewed, or considered to be a seminal work?
- What do the subject matter experts (clinicians and GME program directors) say?
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