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Weeding library collections is an integral part of library's collection development and maintenance; it helps to ensure a current, useful collection. It can be a difficult, even painful, process for some but the weeding process is respectful to the library's mission and its service to the public. This paper highlights objectives and principal steps, policy, CREW method, criteria, formats and material types, guidelines, etc Gives a checklist of weeding factors, Discusses briefly advantages, benefits, and discouraging factors, etc.

Keywords: Library, Collection development, Weeding, Advantages, Guidelines

1 INTRODUCTION

The long-term objectives of weeding are the increased efficiency of material acquisitions and the improved accessibility and effectiveness of the library stock. Materials that need to be weeded are utilizing space which could be used for the display of new and more relevant materials. Use of the existing library stock increases because of the improvement of the general appearance and quality of the remaining stock. The retrieval of information is relatively quicker and accurate because it is easier to retrieve information from a smaller collection that contains mostly resources relevant to the users frequent needs and demands. The earlier sections discuss the processes and steps in weeding and the later part deals with policies and, rules and regulations, and guidelines relating to weeding.

1.1 Why do we need to Weed?

* To maintain a current, adequate and useful collection;

* To make the best use of space;

* To improve the appearance, appeal and browsability of the collection;

* To check for materials that needs repair or replacement;

* To get feedback on the collection's strengths and weaknesses;

* Libraries of all types may be holding unnecessary materials that are no

* longer relevant to their collection;

* Avoid "crisis weeding";

* Keeping materials current, especially in the sciences, engineering and technology; and

* Impressions count.

Weeding of library collection is an important process in the library. The process of withdrawing of outdated, useless, low quality materials and other activities associated with its subsequent disposal or elimination is referred to as weeding. This also makes bibliographic control more effective and efficient. Weeding of materials is also an important aspect of collection development; yet it receives less attention than the selection of new materials in many libraries....

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