This month, we are excited to publish the second blog in a brand-new series, Library Lifeline, written in association with the School Library Association. This series is designed to support anyone working in a school library by answering their questions directly. If you have a question that you’d like to ask our ‘agony aunt’ – the SLA’s Member Development Librarian, Dawn Woods – then please email us at worldofstories@literacytrust.org.uk and your question may be the focus of a future blog!
This week’s question is one that every school librarian can relate to...
“My library has many outdated books, but I worry about throwing any out as I won’t have much left. What should I do?”
It can be daunting to clear out whole sections of out-of-date stock in your library. But it is better to have nothing on your shelves than books which feed children the wrong information. Young people do not always have the skills to decide when a book is out of date and the information inside is not accurate. They are relying on you to manage and weed the books in your library. Also, tatty books which are falling apart do not attract any reader and may put users off using the library at all. Shelves of out of date, unattractive books mask a problem and does not give a true reflection of the state of your book stock.
Why is it important to weed and manage your library book stock?
To showcase your best books
When I weeded 75 to 80% of out of date books from primary school libraries, I then discovered I had room to display the remaining, more attractive and relevant books. Children have since remarked on how we have new books! They didn't realise that these books had been there all along and now they could see what they did. This process of removing and weeding books makes library book shelves more visually appealing, far less busy and, in turn, less confusing for pupils. A more streamline book shelf is especially important for neurodiverse children who may be overwhelmed by crowded shelves.
To reflect that times change
It is not the job of library staff to simply acquire as many books as possible for their school community. Libraries are curated collections of books, brought together for the needs of that community at any one time. And times change. The curriculum changes. Trends come and go. If you invest heavily in the latest popular topic, these resources will be heavily used as long as that interest lasts. It may be short-lived, it may last longer. Then obviously younger students will grow into whatever topic or author that was popular with the year above them. Budget and space prevent you from purchasing and retaining everything. You need to know when to let go.
To ensure your book stock is relevant to your school community
A school library should be an attractive, vital and useful whole school resource. The School Library Association (SLA), therefore, recommend you don’t have books over 10 years old on your shelves. Make sure you are regularly weeding and managing your book stock to ensure it reflects the needs of your current school community. Be aware that some history books and art books may be an exception to this rule if they are in good condition and still relevant. Geography, science and technology books should be closely examined after five years and discarded if there have been major changes in geographical information or advances in science and technology.
How often should you weed your school library collection?
If you have inherited a neglected library it is a good idea to do a thorough book stock edit. It helps you become familiar with the books in your full collection and shows the school is now investing time into its library - recognising its place as a valuable resource. You can see any gaps in your book collection and purchase accordingly to provide that coverage of material to enable all children to see themselves on the shelves of their library.
In addition, you need to weed book stock on a regular basis. If a book is returned in bad condition, discard it rather than re-shelving. Perhaps assess a different section of the collection termly so that any changes in the curriculum can be reflected in the stock.
School library weeding guidelines
The SLA recommend that you have a policy for weeding and discarding book stock which has been agreed by the whole school and reflects the priorities identified in the school development plan. Some staff may have been teaching from the same books for a number of years and find these useful to refer to. Check that there isn’t a newer edition, or perhaps even better titles have since been published. Agreeing to a comprehensive written weeding policy that states the criteria for selection and deselection of library resources means everyone knows what is acceptable.
Importantly, if the books and resources that you remove from your library collection have been added to the library management system (LMS), remember you will also need to remove these titles from the library management system too in order to keep your records current and correct.
So take a deep breath and start slowly.
Where can I find help to weed my library stock?
If you find it very difficult to do a large stock edit, there are organisations to help. The SLA can help, at a standard consultancy rate.
Most School Library Services (SLS) also include this as an advisory service – check your annual subscription to see what is covered.
Or, you can find a list of independent library consultants on the SLS website.
More useful information about weeding your library collection:
The SLA website offers:
Other sources we recommend:
- A helpful article on weeding the school library from chartered librarian Barbara Band
- Tips on book stock and weeding from the team at LIPSSEE
- Read NoSweat Librarian’s 6-step plan for School Librarians and their Back-to-School Action Plan
Explore our series of Library Lifeline blogs
Don't forget to check out other blogs in the Library Lifeline series from Dawn Woods at the SLA: