WEEDING A CHURCH LIBRARY

EVALUATE EACH ITEM

Consider circulation, content, physical condition.
•    Has the item ever been used?
•    When was it last used? (If not in 5 years, candidate for discard)
•    Does it cover needed content even though it has not been much circulated?
•    Should it be retained because of historical significance?
•    Should the item be replaced by a newer edition?
•    Is the subject covered more adequately elsewhere?
•    Is the material out-of-date?
•    Are the pictures dated to the point that they detract?
•    Is the item in poor physical condition? Can it be mended?

Consult an authority about doubtful content.
•    Pastor, and/or Minister of Education
•    Other staff members
•    Person with special interest and knowledge in subject

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR WEEDING
•    Have only two or three persons weeding at a time.
•    As you weed, make a "want list" of titles that need to be replaced, and subjects that need to be               added.
•    Watch for classification errors.
•    Remove pockets and cards from weeded materials, if possible.
•    Mark "Withdrawn" across church name wherever displayed. You can order a "Withdrawn" stamp             from office supply places.
•    Mark each title off the accession record, noting date of removal.
•    If computer software program is in use, delete weeded items.
•    If using catalog file, pull and destroy all catalog cards for each deleted item.
•    Discard all weeded items in predetermined method before library is reopened, getting them out of           the building and off of the property.