Why are we doing this?
Removing outdated materials from any library’s collection is a standard and essential practice to keep the collection current and relevant. It improves access to the library’s more useful resources and allows the collection to evolve to reflect changes in the needs of the library’s users.
In the past, the Bell Library has routinely reviewed materials one subject area at a time, but (to our knowledge) never the entire circulating collection as a whole. As a result, much of the print collection has grown outdated or has become less useful to the TAMU-CC community. Approximately 39% of the circulating print collection has been in the library for 20+ years but not checked out in at least 20 years.
What is being withdrawn?
In general, books that meet the following criteria have been considered for withdrawal:
Sciences
- Have been in the library at least 15 years, and
- Have not been checked out or reshelved in at least 15 years, and
- Copies held by at least 3 Interlibrary Loan partner libraries.
Humanities and Social Sciences
- Have been in the library at least 20 years, and
- Have not been checked out or reshelved in at least 20 years, and
- Copies held by at least 5 Interlibrary Loan partner libraries.
E-books
- E-book edition has been purchased by the library and/or is freely available online, and
- Print edition has not been checked out for at least 15 years.
Average age of withdrawn books: 51 years (average publication date 1973)
Withdrawn books with no recorded checkouts or re-shelving: 58.7%
Average time since last checked out or reshelved: 24 years (3/17/2000)
Additional Information
- Faculty in each college were given an opportunity to review the list of withdrawal candidates.
- Books that are withdrawn are offered to Better World Books, a company that re-sells or donates used books and supports literacy and education programs worldwide.
- Withdrawn books not accepted by Better World Books are recycled.
- For questions about the project, please contact Mohammad AlHamad (mohammad.alhamad@tamucc.edu, x2355).
