Updated October 2025

The library is conducting routine weeding for condition, content, and circulation as capacity allows. The goal of weeding is to maintain the collection size by removing outdated, damaged, and unpopular items to make room for new materials. The Regional Librarian Team is coordinating weeding in their region according to branch need, staffing capacity, and the ability to transport, sort, and process discards systemwide. 

Weed for condition

Staff should keep the collection looking fresh by weeding for condition according to these guidelines. Damaged materials should be removed even if there is a hold waiting.

Weed for content

Staff should review materials periodically and remove outdated, inaccurate, and superseded materials. Refer to these guidelines for more information. Specific retention policies may vary by location. Consult your branch Collection Manual or contact your Regional Librarian for more information specific to your location. 

Weed for circulation

Circulation weeding is now done using IMMS picklists. See the Circulation weeding with IMMS page for more information.

If you have questions, please contact your Regional Librarian.

What to do with discarded materials

• Items should be processed for discard according to the procedures outlined in the Circ Manual.
• Throw away any wet, moldy, or gross items immediately.
• Disc media should be recycled locally.
• Other discards are placed in a black crate for the FOL.
  • Discards may be sold directly by the FOL at Rose City Reads, online or through ThriftBooks.

Last copies and replacements

• Selections and Acquisitions staff get weekly reports of Holds with no active copies and add copies, if they are available.
• Systemwide replacement copies of in-demand items which have been discarded for condition can be requested through the Add Copies/Replace process using ipage. Contact your Regional or Youth Librarian for more information.