Adult Collection Maintenance Guidelines
Weeding schedule
Please follow the Collection Review Calendar.
Factors to consider
Books that are worn out or damaged beyond repair should be weeded. Continual review of the
collection using CollectionHQ will also identify books that have not recently circulated. Often
these books can be withdrawn or redistributed.
The guidelines listed below focus upon important factors to consider in addition to the usage
and popularity of an item. Some books date quickly and after a few years contain information
that is obsolete or factually incorrect. On the other hand, there are titles that have not
circulated recently but can be retained because 1) they are used by staff and patrons in-house,
2) they are classic works, 3) they are of local interest, 4) they bring balance and a range of
viewpoints to the collection.
Use your professional judgment, experience with your community, the MUSTIE template in the
Crew Guidelines, and the guidelines below to help decide whether an item should be retained
in your collection.
The CREW Manual sets forth MUSTIE factors that decrease an item’s usefulness and also qualify it for
withdrawal:
M= Misleading (factually inaccurate)
U= Ugly (worn, torn, stained, yellowed, highlighter/ink marks, etc.)
S= Superseded (new edition/better book on subject)
T= Trivial (no discernible literary/educational merit)
I= Irrelevant (does not address needs/interests of contemporary adults)
E= Elsewhere (material may be expeditiously obtained elsewhere)
While you are weeding, consider the needs of your community and actively suggest subjects
and titles to CDO and its committees that would be of interest to your branch users.
COLLECTION MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES FOR BRANCH COLLECTIONS
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Update February 2014
Follow the Last Copy Procedures when withdrawing material from the collection.
Special considerations for Adult Collection Maintenance
AV Branch staff are responsible for weeding this popular and ephemeral collection. It should
be weeded based on usage and currency. Unpopular and outdated materials should be
removed to make room for new materials.
Fiction Keep only as long as there is current interest. Replace worn editions of classics and
award winners only if they are still in demand and can be replaced with attractive new editions.
Non-fiction
030 Encyclopedias
Superseded encyclopedia sets can be circulated but should be withdrawn four years after
publication.
130s Parapsychology and occultism
Astrology guides that relate to a specific year should be discarded after that year has passed.
170s Ethics
Some topics in ethics are controversial and may require more careful review. Maintain multiple
viewpoints.
200 Religion
Bibles and other sacred texts should always be available. Materials should reflect the diversity
of beliefs and interests, and also include detailed information on the major international
religions and atheism.
310-319 Statistics
Discard any almanacs over 2 years old.
320-329 Politics and Civil Rights
Keep only current editions of books on naturalization, and withdraw all titles older than 5 years.
330-339 Economics
COLLECTION MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES FOR BRANCH COLLECTIONS
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Update February 2014
Information about real estate licensing and home sales should be kept very current.
340-349 Law
Keep only current editions of self-help legal books, Nolo Press, and LSAT preparation books, and
withdraw all other titles older than 5 years. If there are significant changes to laws, the
Government Information Center will send out advisories regarding titles.
370-379 Education
Keep only most current editions of test preparation materials. Education directories and
information about financing and scholarships should be the most current edition available and
should be no more than 3 years old.
520-539 Astronomy and Physics
Books on physics and astronomy and space exploration can become outdated quickly. Review
materials over 5 years old for accuracy and reflection of current scientific thought.
607-609 Inventions & Patents
Books on patent process must be weeded within 5 years after the copyright date.
610 – 619 Medicine
We are expected to provide the most current and accurate medical information available.
Mainstream books on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment older than 3-5 years old should be
reviewed carefully and replaced with a newer edition or work. They should always be
withdrawn if the information is out of date. Works about alternative, non-western, and folk
treatments may not date as quickly. Replace prescription and over-the-counter drug
directories annually, or when they have been superseded.
641-642 Cookery
Collection should reflect current culinary trends and diverse ethnic cuisines. Weed and replace
classic cookbooks on condition.
643-645 Housing and home improvements
Home selling/buying guides should be weeded after 3 years.
COLLECTION MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES FOR BRANCH COLLECTIONS
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Update February 2014
646 Retirement
Books on retirement should be kept as current as possible and should be weeded after 3-5
years.
649 Parenting
Collection should reflect multiple viewpoints and current parenting trends. Ensure that books
on sex, reproduction, and families speak to the many kinds of families in our city and represent
a range of sexual and gender identities.
700-769 – Fine Arts, Crafts
Weed items with low quality illustrations or unappealing format. Discard knitting, crochet, or
books on other fiber arts that have outdated styles.
910s Geography and travel
Discard travel guides after 3 years. Withdraw superseded atlases.
CIVIL SERVICE EXAM BOOKS
Ascertain that your edition is the most recent and reflects the exams that are being offered
now.
GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS
Retain and update current civil service rules. For other documents, follow the instructions that
come with the document. If you have questions about retaining a document, contact the
Government Information Center.
JOBS AND CAREERS
Keep this section up-to-date. Job sectors and industries change with the economy. Older titles
may not reflect current realities.
COLLECTION MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES FOR BRANCH COLLECTIONS
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Update February 2014