A question that has come up the last week on how it is decided if a book is removed and I wanted to take time to explain the policy. The general guidelines I follow to decide if a book can be removed:
If a book is more than 10 years old
If it has not been checked out in 5 years OR if the number of checkouts does not meet the current year (for instance: a book written in 2014 and only checked out 3 times would be 2014+3=2017. This means it has the possibility to be removed.)
If the book is not unusable. (damaged, ripped, stained etc)
Is the information inaccurate? (A great example would be if it lists Pluto as a planet)
Is it appropriate for the students?
Even with all these guidelines, there are still reasons the book might be kept such as the book being a classic or the students love it so much and it can't be replaced. A third reason would be if it is used for classroom lessons.
So now that you have decided to remove a book, what next?
Well that too has a process.
First the book is placed in a location for me to review a second time. I mainly do this because sometimes it is hard to be sure as well as I don't want to remove an entire selection of books. I can more easily visualize the changes as well.
Then Miss Kristi or I have to go through and remove the book from the online system.
Obsolete is stamped on the book and the bar code is either removed or blacked out.
A form is then submitted to the district explaining which books are going to be removed.
Once that form is received back, the books are offered to the teachers to add to their classroom libraries.
Finally, I try to get those books into the hands of the students. The best way I have found for this is to offer them during conferences
How long does this process take?
Unfortunately, it can take months to complete everything. It isn't an easy process nor is it a quick one. I try to complete it as quickly as the process allows.
So, please keep your eyes open for the carts with available books during conferences.
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