The library system strives to maintain a current, balanced collection of materials that meets the needs of our diverse population. An important component in maintaining this collection is weeding, the process of reviewing materials in the library collection to determine appropriateness based on specific criteria set by the library. Weeding is done to:

• ensure the collection meets the current and anticipated needs of the community,
• make the most effective use of available space,
• remove outdated and misleading materials from the collection, and
• remove materials that are damaged or in poor condition from the collection.

The library system has adopted the CREW (Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding) method to be used along with local item use statistics to maintain the collection. Library staff follows these general guidelines for weeding:

This is an ongoing and constant process. Titles recommended for withdrawal from the collection will not be replaced automatically. The replacement decision will be made on a case by case basis taking into account the title’s accuracy and availability, current holdings on the topic, and demand for the title.

Weeding will not be used as a means for withdrawing challenged or controversial materials. These materials will be handled according to the library system’s Collection Development Policy using a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials.” Materials withdrawn from the collection will be donated to the Friends of the Hall County Library for their book sale or discarded.