Interviews- New England Libraries: Sally

New England Libraries

Interview questions for weeding: Interview with Sally

1. Who is responsible for weeding the collection and how is the collection divided?

Adult collection, Non-Fiction and Reference – Head of Reference and Technical Services

Adult collection, Fiction and Audio Visual – Assistant Director/Head of Circulation

YA collection – Assistant Director/Head of Circulation

Children’s collection – Assistant Director/Head of Circulation

Follow up: Is there anyone who assists in bring books to your attention for consideration?

The collection is divided to assign staff to bring to items their supervisor’s attention for consideration.

2. Is there a set schedule for weeding?

One afternoon a week is dedicated to look at material pulled for consideration. This works well and is a continual process. 

3. Do you have a method that you use, like CREW?

No, we do not use a specific method.

4. What is your criteria for weeding?

Material is weeded based on age, condition, shelf space, and circulation. Non-fiction books are evaluated on relevance. Certain titles are checked for availability through Interlibrary before discarding.

5. What do you do with books after they have been weeded?

Typically, books are given to a book reseller, like Big Hearted Books. However, that company went out of business while looking for a new company books are recycled per instructions, i.e. paperbacks and periodicals are placed directly into recycle bins and hardcovers are placed in the bin after the covers are removed.

6. Does your current method work well?  Would you like to implement another format?

This method works well for us as we have a busy library and need a streamline process. 

7. Is there any flexibility in method or schedule?

Yes, as needed if going through a larger weeding project or in non-fiction books on computers would be weeded more often then cookbooks.

8. Do you use any resources when choosing which items to weed like a website or program?

No for choosing books but when considering replacing items we check award winners, core collection, or other relevant topics.

9. How are your periodicals handled for weeding?

Periodicals are limited to eighteen-month holdings because so many titles are available through databases like EBSCO. We previously held them for thirty-months. Old titles are given to patrons, upon request or recycled.

10. Is there anything else not mentioned that you feel I should know?

Reference are weeded with electronic databases in mind. We are replacing less reference material if there are more relevant electronic material available. Other considerations are things like an incomplete series, if we are missing books 4, 7, and 9, the whole series my be discarded.