Collection Evaluation and Weeding
Created by: Keata Lawrence
Weeding Earth Science 520s-540s of HES Library
Evaluation of Collection Data
As shown below the 520 section at 80% is the largest section in our library. It is also the most used section. The 520s contains books on The Moon, Solar System, Universe, and the formation of Earth. The next largest section is the 530s at 19%, which focuses on Energy (heat, light, sound, magnets). The smallest section at only about 1% is the 540s, which covers Physics. This would be understandably the smallest section in an elementary school library.
According to our school's media specialist, the 520 section of the library is a very popular section. Many teachers as well as students tend to check out books in this section freely. Meaning they are not only checking them out to study, they are also checking them out for pleasure. As you can see the least popular section is the 540s. The media specialist also stated that this section is primarily used for instruction, not for pleasure. Many students are not naturally interested or curious about books in this section.
As you can see below, most of the books for sections 520-549 were published between the years of 1997 and 2001. The follow up years of publications being 2007-2011, before 1996, 2012-present, and finally 2002-2006. Our media specialist stated the most of the books that are currently in the media center have been there since the opening of the school in 2007. Most of these books have been on the shelves for 9 years.
Evaluation of Curricular Needs
S4E2 Students will model the position and motion of the earth in the solar system and will explain the role of relative position and motion in determining sequence of the phases of the moon.
a. Explain the day/night cycle of the earth using a model.
b. Explain the sequence of the phases of the moon.
c. Demonstrate the revolution of the earth around the sun and the earth's tilt to explain the seasonal changes.
d. Demonstrate the relative size and order from the sun of the planets in the solar system.
The books in this section of the library are usually used when students are studying the moon phases. The books are checked out by 4th Grade teachers to use during mini lessons or to introduce students to the concept of Moon Phases. Students are also allowed to check these books out, they are not restricted to teacher use only. This section is important to the 4th grade curriculum.
Weeding List
So That's How the Moon Changes Shape!
This book was originally written by Allen Fowler in 1991. This book is about 25 years old and completely out of date. So That's How the Moon Changes Shape!, is misleading to the readers. It appears to be a more mature book from the cover. The inside is very juvenile. This book should belong in the Guinness Book of World Records 1990s.
Moon
This book is a Juvenile Nonfiction book written in 2005. Even though this book is a little more up to date, it is still about 11 years old. The book is a fun read, if you are in the primary grades. Moon would not be acceptable for 4th grade curriculum and the book is nonfiction instead of informational. This book is very trivial, more like a bedtime story.
The Moon Book
The Moon Book was published by Gail Gibbons in 1997. Even though this book has good information it is outdated and serves as a great reading tool for students age 4/5. If you want to teach kindergarten students all about the moon this book is for you. However, The Moon Book is way below grade level for "Elementary" age students. The book also may distract from its topic discussing religion and superstition.
The Moon
The Moon by Thomas Adamson was published more recently in 2007. This book was written for children ages 4-8. The illustrations are great, however there is not enough informational content. Because of the lack of information, this book lends itself to more questions than answers. A book written in this time period should contain more current information.
Disposal of Weeded Books
I agree with her giving the unwanted books to students who would like them, but I don't think that I would throw the rest away. As mentioned in the PPT, books could also be given to teachers or even sold in a used book sale to raise funds for the school. I like the idea of donating them to Goodwill or to shelters for the less fortunate. A book can change a child's life, so I think that everyone no matter your situation should have access to a good book.