The Library strives to provide current, accurate information, and an accessible collection in good condition. Deselection is an ongoing process, and staff systematically inspects and considers materials for withdrawal. All or some of the following criteria are considered when deselecting items for the collection:
Once items are deemed no longer appropriate for the collection, the Library first makes efforts to repurpose before considering disposal. If the items are not physically damaged, they are offered to the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.
No longer in demand
little to no circs in 2 or more years for most collections
Unsuitable condition
Battered, torn pages, marked, water damage, mold or vinegar smell
Broken Binding
Dirty
Out of date or contains inaccurate information
Old editions of non-fiction materials
Accepted scientific theories and facts should be up-to-date
Out-dated perspectives
Stereotypes
More current or comprehensive resources are available
i.e. Encyclopedias
Unnecessary duplications
Multiple copies of titles not of interest to the community
Available through consortia or interlibrary loans
For less popular titles
Also see Evaluation of Materials in Maintenance
Continuous Review, Evaluation, Weeding
Misleading or factually inaccurate
Ugly and outdated or in poor condition
Superceded by a new edition or by a better book on the subject
Trivial with no discernible literary or scientific merit
Irrelevant to the needs and interests of the community
Elsewhere or available from another library or via ILL
Source: The Weeding Handbook: A Shelf-by-Shelf Guide by Rebeca Vnuck, 2015 (PROF 025.216 VNUK)
See Also: Crew: A Manual for Modern Libraries by Jeanette Larson, 2012