Weeding (library)

Weeding is the systematic removal of resources from a library based on selected criteria. It is the opposite of selecting material, though the selection and de-selection of material often involve the same thought process. Weeding is a vital process for an active collection because it ensures the collection stays current, relevant, and in good condition. Weeding should be done on a continuous, on-going basis.

A "well-maintained, well-pruned collection is far more useful than one filled with out-of-date or unused materials." Weeding a physical collection has many benefits:

With many collections having a digital component, space is not an issue for concern. However, this does not mean digital collections should not be weeded. "Clearing out unused materials makes a patron’s searching experience better by reducing the number of old and irrelevant records the patrons must wade through in their search results to find what they really want." The digital collection, like the physical collection, should be kept current and easily accessible.

Weeding should be addressed in a library's Collection Development Policy, and the criteria should be outlined. The following list outlines some considerations for weeding resources.

Weeding may be viewed as controversial by community members. John N. Berry III has discussed these is his essay, "The Weeding War."

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